Sharon McGuire, the executive director of the California Landscape Contractors Association, announced on May 2 that she would be leaving her post as of June 9.

After over a quarter of a century at the helm of California's prominent landscape contractors association, Sharon McGuire has decided to step down, effective June 9.

The announcement was made on May 2 according to John Sassaman, the communication manager for the California Landscape Contractors Association. Following her decision, the association's board of directors appointed Larry Rohlfes to act as the interim executive director after McGuire departs. Rohlfes is currently CLCA's assistant executive director.

Also according to Sassaman, the board will put together a search committee to find a permanent successor to McGuire. Sassaman said that no definite timeline has been set but that the board does seem to want to move forward in an expedient manner.

"It will be tough to fill Sharon's position," said CLCA President Frank Niccoli. "Her dedication and commitment to the association and the industry are legendary. She is the heart of our association."

McGuire joined CLCA's staff in 1980 and was elevated to executive director in 1986.

"I can't believe the time has gone so fast," said McGuire.???(R)???AE'?N????e'?N,A+???(R)???AE'?N????e'?N,A+???(R)???AE'?N????e'?N,A+"It has been a pleasure working with so many wonderful people all these years, many whom have become personal friends as well."

The California Landscape Contractors Association is a non-profit trade organization of licensed landscape and landscape-related contractors. It reports that it has approximately 3200 members spread throughout its 17 statewide chapters.