A Davey Tree Field Trip

By Amanda Hickey

PRSSA Kent students explored corporate communications firsthand during a field trip to Davey Tree on Friday, Feb. 27. The group visited the Student, Employee Education and Development (SEED) campus, a newly built hub for training, research and innovation that showcases the company’s investment and hands-on work in the environmental industry.

The day began with a panel discussion featuring PR Director Jennifer Lennox and Senior Manager of Corporate Content Matt Fredmonsky. Jennifer, who has spent her entire career at Davey, highlighted the importance of equal team voices and a supportive employee culture. She shared what keeps her coming back every day: admiration for her colleagues and the collaborative environment.

Both Jennifer and Matt said PR is a daily grind with occasional glamour on high-profile projects. Employees gain pride and purpose from their work, such as when social media posts are widely shared after a storm, showing the tangible impact of their efforts.

Matt, a former journalist, said his favorite part of the job is designing their magazine, The Davey Bulletin. He noted that employees can buy company shares at a discount, reflecting the company’s focus on culture, and advised students to develop portfolios and tailored applications. Their insights showed how storytelling, design and strategy work together in corporate communications.

After the discussion, students toured the SEED campus, with Matt leading and Jennifer providing additional insights. The group observed research labs, offices and a one-of-a-kind tree-climbing facility where employees train to safely climb and work in trees. Students also learned that the facility will host the North American Tree Climbing Championship (NATCC) in May, open to the public.

The campus reflects Davey Tree’s values of sustainability, history and innovation. Recycled wood furniture highlights natural patterns, textures and colors, from chairs with backs carved like leafy branches to a long communal table with the Davey logo burned into the surface. Students noted the fresh scent of wood and the natural light from the windows, which communicated the company’s culture through design.

The field trip gave students an inside glimpse into corporate communications while inspiring creativity and strategic thinking for their own future PR careers.

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