The VPMA announced Jack Horsley as its Lifetime Industry Stewardship Award recipient and Carley Church, Getem Services, as the inaugural recipient of the VPMA Board Impact Award. The association also awarded three scholarships to graduate students at Virginia Tech.
Posted by Amanda Joerndt, PCT Digital Editor
Fredericksburg, Va. —The Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA) shared two association members who were awarded leadership and impact awards, and the recipients of its Fall 2024 scholarships.
On November 13, 2024, VPMA presented the Lifetime Industry Stewardship Award to Jack Horsley, posthumously, at the State Technical Meeting (STM). This biennial award recognizes unparalleled contributions to the pest management industry and celebrates individuals whose dedication and service have transformed the field.
The Lifetime Industry Stewardship Award celebrates extraordinary individuals who have profoundly impacted the pest management industry. These stewards are recognized for their dedication to protecting jobs, businesses, and reputations within the field. More than a recognition, this award is a testament to the transformative influence one individual can have on colleagues, clients, and the broader community.
Horsley’s career began in the early 1970s at Edwards Pest Control and spanned decades, culminating as a technical specialist with MSC Terminix until his retirement in 2020. His academic achievements, including a bachelor of science in biology from Christopher Newport College and a master’s in horticulture from Virginia Tech, provided a strong foundation for his career. In 2011, he further distinguished himself by earning the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) credential.
Horsley’s passion extended beyond his professional work. As an educator with Virginia Tech Extension, he shared his knowledge with countless students, including his wife, Martha, whom he fondly referred to as his best student. His commitment to mentorship, training, and technical development earned him the affectionate title “Dr. Jack” among his peers.
The award was accepted by Jack’s wife, Martha, in his memory.
VPMA awarded Carley Church, Getem Services, as the inaugural recipient of the VPMA Board Impact Award.
In its 76 years of serving the pest control community across Virginia, VPMA has been shaped by the dedication and contributions of countless board members and volunteer leaders. These individuals have been instrumental in building VPMA into the adaptive and responsive organization it is today. To honor such exceptional contributions formally, VPMA established the Board Impact Award, with Carley Church as its first honoree.
Church has quickly distinguished herself as a vital leader within VPMA. Appointed as the Tidewater Regional Director in May 2024 to fill a vacancy, Church became both the youngest and newest member of the board. Despite her recent introduction to VPMA leadership, her impact has been profound.
Taking on the role of Chair of the Membership Committee, Church transitioned into leading the newly formed Member/Marketing Committee. Her leadership was instrumental in implementing an ambitious new marketing plan for VPMA and the STM. This initiative culminated in a remarkable 20 percent increase in attendance at the 2024 State Technical Meeting—a testament to Carley’s skills, expertise, and dedication.
“Carley’s passion for the pest management industry and her commitment to advancing VPMA’s mission have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said John Reid, VPMA President. “It was my distinct pleasure to present her with the first-ever Board Impact Award and to recognize the significant mark she has already made on our organization.”
VPMA announced three scholarship award recipients: Morgan Wilson, Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Tech; Charly Hartle, Ph.D. graduate student at Virginia Tech; and Fang-Ling Liu, Virginia Tech.
Wilson is conducting groundbreaking research into bed bug management, Hartle is investigating odorous house ants and the impact of viruses on their distribution and researching invasive Asian needle ants and other pest ant species to improve pest management strategies and Liu’s research centers on disease ecology in social insects, specifically examining viral dynamics in invasive fire ants.
