Phil Charlton is a pioneer in the field of utility vegetation management. He graduated West Virginia University with BSF, MSF, and PhD degrees in Forest Science. His career spans over forty years, including a significant tenure as President of ECI where he paved the way for hundreds of electrical companies to develop UVM programs for distribution line clearance and transmission right-of-way (ROW) management. Charlton developed the industry’s first electronic system for performance analytics of external workforce management. He has also served on the Right-of-Way Stewardship Council and is an expert witness for UVM. During his ten-year tenure at the Utility Arborists Association, Charlton grew the association’s financials and membership to over five thousand members. Phil served as the latest UAA’s Executive Director.

An industry veteran, Steve Hallmark brings over 40 years of transmission and distribution experience in forestry and vegetation management. He recently served as subject matter expert for the California Governor’s Office Operational Observer pertaining wildfire mitigation efforts and Public Safety Power Shutoff activities. Prior, Hallmark acted as senior advisor for some of the nation’s leading utilities. He also led Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) teams in both the Transmission and Distribution Management program and Customer Services Operations. Hallmark holds a B.S. degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Forest Management, plus ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certifications. Aside from playing an active leadership role throughout his career in multiple integrated vegetation management associations, Hallmark has also published articles in key publications and is largely accountable for creating the Utility Arborist Specialist credential.