Decatur has hired Karen “Kay” Evanovich as its second ever full-time arborist, or officially Landscape Infrastructure Coordinator. She replaces India Woodson, who left in July after 23 months as the city’s first LIC.
Evanovich is a certified arborist with 34 years experience in the field, according to John Maximuk, the city’s Director of the Design Environment and Construction Division. Since Feb. 2014, she’s been City Arborist and Land Development Inspector for Brookhaven.
Her primary experience came from 1999 to 2010 when she was DeKalb County’s Chief of Environment, Land Development and Building Inspection. From 2009 to 2014, she was a self-employed arborist, substitute teacher and soccer coach.
“She will implement the tree canopy ordinance and manage the public trees,” Maximuk said. “It requires a lot of diplomacy and tact. By that I mean almost everybody loves trees, but many fear them too. One of Kay’s strengths is that she’s a skilled public educator.”
Evanovich’s last day with Brookhaven is Oct. 28 and she joins Decatur’s staff Oct. 31.
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