Hall Of Fame Inductees

 

The individuals nominated should have made a significant impact or positive influence that assures the future of our industry in the lives of generations to come.

 

Once nominated, an individual’s biography and photo are updated on the site, and he or she is placed in the polls for voting. At the end of the year the committee takes into consideration the votes and decides which candidates are inducted.

 

Those with a star (*) next to their name below were either inducted posthumously or have passed away since being inducted.

 

Nomination Qualifications

  • Person with integrity and passion
  • Minimum 20 years in industry
  • Someone who has developed  or invented  new technology
  • Has made contributions that resulted in change
  • Contributed to mankind’s needs in his field
  • Provided education and encouragement  with self-sacrifice
  • Changed the industry

Rhonda Wood

 

Rhonda Wood is President, Co-Owner, and Consulting Arborist of Woodworks Tree Preservation, Inc., bringing more than 25 years of experience in arboriculture and horticulture to the green industry. A highly respected professional, she holds numerous industry credentials, including ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Certified Tree Climber, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), Prescription Pruning Qualification, and Certified Tree Worker Evaluator. Her career began at Disneyland as a gardener, where her expertise, dedication, and leadership led her to become the Resort's first Urban Forester. In that role, she was responsible for the health, preservation, and management of more than 16,000 trees, implementing science-based practices that balanced public safety, environmental stewardship, and the long-term sustainability of one of the world's most recognized landscapes.

 

Today, Rhonda continues to advance the profession through her leadership at Woodworks Tree Preservation, Inc., where she champions sustainable, research-based tree care and preservation. Her commitment to education is equally significant. As an instructor for UCLA Extension's Study of Trees course, she has mentored and inspired countless students and emerging arborists, helping to develop the next generation of industry professionals through both classroom instruction and practical field experience.

 

Rhonda's influence extends well beyond her professional work. She has dedicated countless hours to advancing the arboriculture profession through leadership and volunteer service at the regional and national levels. She has served as President of the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (WCISA), ISA Component Council Representative, Chair of the WCISA Women in Arboriculture Committee, and as a member of the ANSI A300 Committee, helping to shape industry standards and best practices. Her volunteer efforts have also included judging regional and international tree climbing championships, assisting with post-fire urban forest assessments, and advocating for professional development, safety, and excellence throughout the industry.

 

Throughout her career, Rhonda Wood has been recognized as a pioneering leader, educator, mentor, and advocate for arboriculture. She has broken barriers as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated profession while earning the respect of colleagues through her technical expertise, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Her career is distinguished by a rare combination of hands-on experience, scientific knowledge, visionary leadership, and selfless service to the green industry. Her lasting impact on arboriculture, education, professional standards, and environmental stewardship makes her an exceptionally deserving candidate for induction into the Green Industry Hall of Fame.