Team

Charlie graduated from The Iowa State University with a BS degree in Horticulture, then started a 35 year career in the landscape industry. Having worked for some of the largest companies in the country in Denver, Dallas and then Chicago, Charlie decided it was time to create Woodlawns Landscape Company in 1997. Charlie started Woodlawns knowing anyone can plant a landscape but having the knowledge and imagination to manage an evolving landscape is a skill that can be hard to find. Woodlawns has assembled a team of professionals, each with a unique skill that when brought together ensures the client that they will find consistently superior service in the field and in their office. One of Charlie’s greatest achievements is to have created a place where people want to come to work everyday because of the spirited company culture he’s fostered. The rule here is when we are on our property we are family; and when we are on your property we are your team. By the way, Charlie does not hold anything against Chris or Melissa for going to Iowa and not Iowa State.

Melissa graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Geography and Business Management. She began her 20+ year career working for a large commercial landscape firm in Chicago developing their seasonal color program before eventually becoming the company’s Chicago Branch Manager and Vice President. In 2014, Melissa joined the Woodlawns team looking for a small company with room to grow where she started as an account manager. Melissa is now the VP of Sales. Her time at Woodlawns is used to cultivate & develop relationships with our clients. She has worked tirelessly building the landscape portfolio in the Chicago market, overseeing account managers in the city, and collaborating with the Seasonal Color Department on one-of-a-kind displays. She finds true joy in seeing her designs come to life. When not at work Melissa loves spending time with her two young boys, wife, family, and friends.

Katrina graduated from North Park University with a degree in Business Administration. As Woodlawns Office Manager, Katrina is instrumental in maintaining the effective communication between all departments. Her skills have been fundamental in development of administrative procedures that ensure all departments operate in conjunction with each other. Katrina’s relationships with the field and administrative personnel have become the bridge that keeps both sides working as one.

Victor has been part of the Woodlawns team since 2005. In those 13 years, Victor has rose through the ranks from foreman to his current position as Landscape Management Operations Manager. Victor’s excellent organization skills have helped establish the base for our downtown operations. These same skills have aided him in hiring, training and scheduling for his department. Victor is also responsible for developing the equipment inventory and maintenance program that ensures each team has the proper functioning equipment. Victor enjoys spending time with his family and coaching two youth soccer teams.

Gabino has worked in the landscape industry for 30 years. He graduated from the College of Lake County with an A.A.S.in Horticulture with a Landscape Design Certificate. His expertise in the landscape installation, hardscapes and seasonal color areas have set us apart from the rest of the pack. In addition to supervising our installation crews, Gabino is responsible for procuring materials, scheduling and holding production meetings. Gabino is also on the board of the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance. One of this organization’s goal is to increase the personal and professional development of Hispanic workers.

Holding a Masters in Education, Diane decided to pursue her passion for plants 22 years ago. She worked for a native/ornamental perennial nursery in retail sales for five years and has specialized in seasonal color designs for commercial landscapes for the last seventeen years. Diane joined the Woodlawn’s team in late 2019, designing seasonal color for clients. In her spare time, Diane enjoys gardening (of course!), cooking, and traveling to visit her three daughters in Portland OR, Charlotte N.C. and Washington D.C.

Jenna joined the Woodlawns Landscape team in 2019 after 15 years in the high-end furniture and design industry, cultivating and maintaining client relationships, building on her knowledge of interiors and spatial planning, and overseeing residential and commercial projects from specs to installation. She enjoys client interaction and strives to provide exceptional, high-quality service. Jenna’s passion for all-things design, color, and her great appreciation for landscaping has led her to this industry. She feels lucky to have found her work-home with Woodlawns. Jenna loves urban environments and feels most at home living and working in Chicago. She enjoys the challenges and particulars of the Downtown area and collaborates with clients to create unique, successful solutions. She grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Art History. When she’s not working, Jenna enjoys spending time in museums, on design blogs, and with her family & friends.

Diane graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in communications and worked for many years in advertising and film production before finding her true calling in the landscape industry. She worked for 2 years as an Assistant Horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic Garden before joining Mariani Landscape in 2019 as a Client Representative for residential maintenance. At the start of 2022 she moved to the commercial maintenance team at Woodlawns as an Account Manager.

Vicki Witt-Green joined the Woodlawns team in late 2018. As an Administrative Assistant, Vicki helps support the office manager with organization and communication with each department of the team. She also helps provide secretarial and clerical support so the operations of the office run smoothly. Vicki graduated from Grand Canyon University with a degree in Psychology. When she’s not working, Vicki enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.

Nate graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Business management. He started his career in the landscape industry in college when he ran his own landscaping company. After completing college, Nate chose to close his company to join Woodlawns’ parent company, Mariani Landscape, as a Project Manager. In January of 2022 Nate joined the Woodlawns team as an Account Manager where he continues to strive for unparalleled service along with strong client interaction. In his free time Nate likes to spend time outdoors, traveling, and visiting with friends and family.

Jane graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Mathematics and Education. She joined the Woodlawns family in 2019, bringing years of management and organizational expertise to our Quality Assurance department. Jane ensures our clients are thrilled with their spaces on the day of install and beyond.