Corporate biographies
Mr. Knight plans and directs all aspects of the company's policies, objectives and initiatives. He's responsible for the short- and long-term profitability and growth of the company.
Mr. Knight is also the environmental spokesperson for the company. One core component of the mission of Teragren is to measure the company's environmental footprint and work toward mitigating and ultimately neutralizing its environmental impact.
Prior to founding Teragren LLC, Mr. Knight was President and Chief Executive Officer of Medical Dental Development Services, Inc. (MDDS) for 12 years. MDDS specialized in medical practice valuations, sales, mergers and consolidations.
Ann J. Knight
Executive Vice President/Marketing Director
Ms. Knight is responsible for the company's overall marketing strategy. She works closely with the media, press and the company's distribution network of floor covering distributors and dealers to create brand awareness of all Teragren products.
Prior to founding Teragren LLC, Ms. Knight was Vice President of Medical Dental Development Services, Inc. (MDDS) for 10 years. MDDS specialized in medical practice valuations, sales, mergers and consolidations.
Yang Xiang Lin
Vice President, Manufacturing/Asia
Mr. Lin is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing of Teragren products at the plants in China. While working closely with the plant owners and managers to ensure all products meet Teragren high quality and environmental standards, Mr. Lin also assists in new product research and development. As a native of China now residing in the Seattle area, Mr. Lin understands the language and culture which allows Teragren to remain on the cutting edge with new products and technology.
Michael L. Conneen
Vice President, Sales/Flooring Division
Mr. Conneen continues to position Teragren flooring products in the United States, Canada and Mexico through major floor covering distributors. He interfaces with these distributors and their retail dealers to develop strong recognition and branding of the Teragren brand in both the commercial and residential flooring market.
Mr. Conneen has over 25 years of sales management experience in the flooring industry. Prior to Teragren, he was Eastern Region Sales Manager for Lauzon Hardwood Flooring and Sales Manager for Robbins Hardwood Flooring with responsibility for Canada and the Eastern United States. Before entering the hardwood flooring field, Mr. Conneen held executive and managerial positions in the carpet industry.
Scott Manson
Vice President, Law & Finance
Mr. Manson is the company's General Counsel and is also responsible for managing the company's Finance & Accounting Departments. He is a CPA and an attorney with over 15 years of financial and legal experience with publicly held and emerging growth companies. Prior to joining Teragren, Mr. Manson was Chief Financial Officer of Angelicas Record Distributors, one of the nation's largest distributors of Latin American Music. Mr. Manson has also been the Chief Financial Officer of four SEC reporting companies and two "INC 500" companies. In addition, Mr. Manson was one of the founders of both MagazineWeek and Health New England, the first for-profit HMO in Massachusetts. Mr. Manson received a Juris Doctor from Hofstra University School of Law and a B.B.A. Cum Laude in Accounting from Hofstra University.
Paola Rutledge
Vice President, Sales/Panel & Veneer Division
Ms. Rutledge is responsible for establishing the distribution of the Teragren line of bamboo panels and veneer throughout North America. As an avid woodworker, her skills and knowledge have assisted in product research and development. While working closely with distributors and others in the trade, she has helped to define and establish the needs of the industry. Ms. Rutledge has over 25 years of sales management experience in diverse businesses. She holds multiple degrees in Fine Arts and Design which have been invaluable while working with the architectural and design communities. Her efforts continue to place Teragren as a leader in the renewable product marketplace.
Tom Goodham
Vice President, Operations
Mr. Goodham is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the company while working closely with Teragren mills in China to ensure Teragren products are of the highest quality and meet U.S., European and Japanese environmental standards.
Prior to Teragren, Mr. Goodham was a Project Specialist for Starbucks Corporation.
Heidi O'Brien
Customer Relations Director
Ms. O'Brien is responsible for managing the Marketing Department specifically for the Flooring Division and assists with strategic marketing plans for major Teragren initiatives. She also provides marketing support to the company's distribution network of floor covering distributors and dealers including members of CCA Global.
Prior to Teragren, Ms. O'Brien was instrumental in the marketing of Rick Steve's Europe through the Back Door, a company designed to help travelers experience European travel that's fun and affordable.
Andrew Diehl
International Logistics Manager
Mr. Diehl is responsible for managing and overseeing the International Logistics operations for Teragren. He works closely with Teragren’s factory partner in China and the Teragren Sumner, WA and Indianapolis, IN distribution centers ensuring timely delivery of Teragren inventory and container direct shipments.
Prior to Teragren, Drew worked for Qwest Communications.
Ms. Pelland is responsible for managing the Customer Service Department at Teragren. She works closely with Teragren’s flooring and panel/veneer distributors to provide timely order fulfillment.
Prior to Teragren, Paula worked for Sodexho Marriott Services, one of the largest food services companies in North America, and Town and Country Markets Inc.
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