DCA Outdoor fills two top positions

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – DCA Outdoor, Inc. announced two key organizational changes as the company continues to grow on multiple fronts as a leader and innovator across the green industry.

Devon Kennedy has been named president of business development, a position in which he will play a vital role in sourcing, evaluating and structuring deals for expanding growth through acquisitions. With 25 years of nursery experience ranging from managing sales to production in container and bareroot operations as well as international experience, Kennedy has built a vast network within the industry.

Bill Marden has been promoted to the role of president of DCA Outdoor. His focus will be to integrate, lead, manage and ensure each of DCA Outdoor’s nine brands operates efficiently and hits growth objectives. He also brings more than two decades of experience to his new role.

"The creation and development of DCA Outdoor uniquely positions our parent and subsidiary companies for long-term success across the green industry, creating significant industry value in areas of agriculture, nursery stock production, landscape distribution, agritourism and transportation," said Tory Schwope, CEO and founder of DCA Outdoor. "Continued success means growing the company through additional acquisitions, deploying new products and service offerings, and creating organic growth through our existing brand. We must further develop our DCA Outdoor infrastructure, and Devon and Bill will play key roles in helping us reach our full potential."

Kennedy, who has been president of Schwope Brothers Tree Farms since 2015 and previously served as a general manager of Clinton Nurseries in Maryland, will develop and execute business strategy.

"Devon's unique nursery experience with a variety of nursery operations across the United States and his multi-faceted management of all phases of production and operations has enabled him to build an incredible network that will benefit DCA Outdoor for years to come," Schwope said.

Kennedy will continue to lead Schwope Brothers Tree Farms until his replacement is hired.

"This is an exceptionally exciting time,” said Kennedy, a native of Oregon who attended the University of Oregon. “I joined the team nearly three years ago. The growth this company has experienced is absolutely phenomenal. The vision of where we’re going is revolutionary for the industry. I’m thrilled to be a part of that.”

Marden brings more than 25 years of success working in businesses across multiple industries ranging from agriculture, financial services, insurance, transportation, distribution and retailing. He’s been a president and senior officer for both large- and mid-size firms. He served as president/CEO/COO of KAT Wholesale Outdoor during the past year. 

"I’m excited about the opportunity to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts," said Marden, a Kansas City native and graduate of the University of Saint Thomas. "This is a huge opportunity for DCA Outdoor and our subsidiary companies. Each brand in its own way has been very successful, but obviously as a whole I think there are huge opportunities to create synergies among each of our brands."