Jun 28, 2016

Harris Seeds promotes VP, adds new product manager

Harris Seeds has promoted a member of its executive leadership team and hired a manager for one of the company’s key product divisions.

Vicky Rupley, a vice president with the company and an officer on Harris Seeds’ board of directors since 2005, has been named executive vice president. Rupley will move into her new role with the company on July 1.

Also this month, Harris Seeds hired Michael Wells as manager of the company’s ornamentals product group, a role previously held by Rupley. Wells brings to the product group more than a decade of experience in ornamentals and extensive knowledge about the floral and farming industries, Harris Seeds said.

Rupley has worked in the horticultural seed industry for more than 30 years, including 22 years at Harris Seeds. As executive vice president, Rupley will work with Harris Seeds CEO Ken Wasnock and the Harris Seeds management team on strategic business development, general operations and sales innovations. Wasnock was named CEO in April.

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 at Harris Seeds on July 18.