Dümmen Orange North America announces new hires
Dümmen Orange North America has hired Michelle McElhannon, Ph.D. as its new technical specialist and Sarah Thompson as its new western regional sales manager.
McElhannon is a scientist with over 20 years of experience in horticulture, agriculture and academia. With a background in laboratory, greenhouse and growth chamber research, she has worked with plant propagation, crop protection products and plant nutrition.
“Whenever you find someone with as much technical experience as Michelle has, you jump at the opportunity to bring that person on board, which is what we did,” said Kelly Nicholas, head of technical services for Dümmen Orange North America. “She understands how to work within a cross-functional team environment and is capable of translating complex scientific concepts to others, especially non-experts.”
Before arriving at Dümmen Orange, McElhannon worked at Consolidated Greenhouse Solutions, BASF, Northeast Georgia Health District, Carole’s Nursery, Horticultural Consulting Services, and Oglevee Ltd. She gained additional professional experience working as a graduate researcher at NC State and Auburn.
Thompson has two decades of expertise in sales, relationship management and program development.
“We are thrilled about Sarah joining our sales team,” said Frank Magnusson, Dümmen Orange COO for North and Central America. “She knows how to drive sales growth, train and develop field teams, manage customer accounts and strengthen long-term relationships, which are all key to our company’s success.”
Prior to joining Dümmen Orange, Thompson spent the past 20 years serving in multiple roles at Olson’s Greenhouse Gardens, an annual and perennial bedding plant supplier.
Photos courtesy of Dümmen Orange.