Harris Seeds promotes Vicky Rupley to executive vice president, effective July 1. Rupley is a vice president with the company and has been an officer on Harris Seeds’ board of directors since 2005.
The company also welcomes Michael Wells as manager of its ornamentals product group, a role previously held by Rupley. Wells has more than a decade of experience in ornamentals and extensive knowledge about the floral and farming industries.
“The appointment of Michael to ornamentals manager and the promotion of Vicky to this key leadership position … will undoubtedly enhance our ability to deliver exceptional products and an exemplary customer experience,” says Ken Wasnock, Harris Seeds CEO.
Rupley has worked in the horticultural seed industry for more than 30 years, including 22 years at Harris Seeds. She has helped grow the company’s ornamentals line, developed new products, established positive relationships with vendors and maximized operational workflow efficiency.
As executive vice president, Rupley will work with Wasnock and the management team on strategic business development, general operations and sales innovations. Wasnock was named CEO in April.
“I am very happy about my new role with Harris Seeds,” Rupley says.
Wells has hands-on experience growing, selling and marketing seeds, plants and cut flowers to retail and wholesale customers. Before returning to Harris Seeds, where he worked as a web marketing manager and regional account manager, Wells served as the lead floral designer for Stacy K Floral & Designs. As the owner of 365 Fresh Specialty Cut Flower Farm, he managed the planting, maintenance and harvesting of more than 80 species of flowers. Wells will begin his new position July 18.
