Greenleaf Nursery Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Greenleaf Nursery has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, sales, finance, and human resources.

Focused on sustainable agricultural growth, Greenleaf Nursery delivers high-quality wholesale plant solutions while maintaining a commitment to horticultural excellence and broad market distribution across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Greenleaf Nursery

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Donny Johnson
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Michael Roe
  • Executive VP, Sales & Chief Operating Officer - Harry Smutzer
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Ernest Gate
  • Donny Johnson - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Donny Johnson, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Greenleaf Nursery, oversees all fiscal planning, capital allocation, and financial reporting for the wholesale nursery operations. Managing the company's budgetary health, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the availability of resources for large-scale agricultural production and infrastructure maintenance. This leadership role involves evaluating the financial viability of new plant varieties and long-term investments in ornamental tree cultivation. By monitoring cash flow and cost structures, Donny Johnson provides the necessary data to support strategic decision-making across the executive team. The Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous oversight of financial compliance and risk management to protect the organization's assets. Through the optimization of financial performance, the Chief Financial Officer supports the company's mission to provide high-quality plants to retailers and landscapers. Ultimately, Johnson secures the fiscal stability required for sustained growth and innovation within the competitive agricultural industry.

    Michael Roe - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Roe, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Greenleaf Nursery, directs all internal production workflows and nursery cultivation processes. Overseeing the large-scale propagation of broadleaf evergreens and deciduous shrubs, the Chief Operating Officer ensures consistent inventory quality across all wholesale distribution centers. This leadership role involves optimizing container-grown plant health through advanced agricultural technology and rigorous quality control standards. By streamlining supply chain logistics, Michael Roe directly impacts the efficiency of the entire production cycle. The Chief Operating Officer manages complex resource allocation to support the diverse needs of retailers and landscapers. Through meticulous oversight of greenhouse operations, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards required for the company's extensive ornamental tree and conifer inventory. Ultimately, Roe secures operational excellence by aligning daily cultivation activities with the broader strategic goals of the organization.

    Harry Smutzer - Executive VP, Sales & Chief Operating Officer

    Harry Smutzer, the Executive VP, Sales & Chief Operating Officer at Greenleaf Nursery, manages the expansive network of merchants and wholesale distribution channels. Driving North American market expansion, the Executive VP, Sales & Chief Operating Officer coordinates the distribution of shrub roses, tropical color plants, and fruit tree varieties to diverse retail partners. This leadership role involves architecting sales strategies that connect wholesale production with the specific demands of gardeners and end-users. By analyzing market trends, Harry Smutzer identifies new opportunities for revenue growth within the competitive agricultural sector. The Executive VP, Sales & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with regional distribution teams to ensure timely delivery and product availability. Through the implementation of robust customer relationship management systems, the Executive VP, Sales & Chief Operating Officer strengthens the company's market position. Ultimately, Smutzer drives long-term commercial success by expanding the reach of the nursery's diverse plant portfolio.

    Ernest Gate - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Ernest Gate, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Greenleaf Nursery, directs all talent acquisition, workforce development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment of skilled horticulturalists and operational staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the company maintains a high-performing team capable of managing complex nursery production. This leadership role involves designing training programs that emphasize safety, agricultural best practices, and professional growth for all employees. By fostering a collaborative work environment, Ernest Gate aligns the workforce with the company's mission of delivering premium plant products to retailers and landscapers. The Chief Human Resources Officer manages employee relations and performance management systems to drive organizational efficiency. Through the implementation of strategic human capital initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the overall operational scale of the nursery. Ultimately, Gate secures the human talent necessary to maintain the company's reputation for quality and reliability in the wholesale plant market.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Greenleaf Nursery Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Greenleaf Nursery?
    Greenleaf Nursery is led by Donny Johnson (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Michael Roe (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and Harry Smutzer (Executive VP, Sales & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Greenleaf Nursery’s executive team?
    The executive team of Greenleaf Nursery includes leaders such as Donny Johnson (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Michael Roe (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), Harry Smutzer (Executive VP, Sales & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Greenleaf Nursery have?
    Greenleaf Nursery has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Greenleaf Nursery’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Greenleaf Nursery includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Executive VP, Sales & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.