Executive Team

Todd Carnley
Executive Director 

During his 28 years in the nursery industry, Todd has played an active role in various areas, from retail to landscaping to wholesale growing operations. With a BBA in Marketing and a MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Todd brings to PDSI his market knowledge and insight, his strategic vision, and his ability to build strong teams.

Kip McConnell
Director

Since graduating from Auburn University's Ornamental Horticulture program in 1984, Kip McConnell has built a career in the horticulture industry, gathering experience in a range of areas including botanical garden management, retail merchandising, landscape design and installation, and nursery supply sales.

Robert (Buddy) E. Lee
Director of Plant Innovations

Buddy is an internationally known plant breeder and the creator of Encore Azalea®. He is one of the most respected plant breeders and horticulturalists in North America, with over 30 years’ experience in nursery management, breeding, propagation and new plant development. Buddy is past president of The Azalea Society of America, past president of the Louisiana Nurseryman’s Association Region III, and he is an active member of the International Plant Propagators Society and the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association.

Jerry Pittman
New Plant Development

Jerry's specialties include new plant breeding and selection, propagation and production, and breeder's rights and plant patent work. A graduate of Wofford University, who did horticulture post-graduate work at Auburn, Jerry has worked for more than 25 years at Flowerwood Nursery before joining the new plant development team at PDSI.

Corrina S. Murray
Director of Marketing

Corrina has worked closely with PDSI for six years, leading a design/marketing team in the development of marketing and retail support for PDSI’s brands. She contributes key experience gained in a decade of work in the marketing, design and publishing industries.