People News

Withers named USGA director of new media

Alex Withers, who has been marketing director for ESPN’s new media for the past year, has joined the USGA in the newly created post of director of new media.

In this new position, Withers will be responsible for overall online and new media functions of the USGA, with the goal of maximizing online advertising, partnerships, e-commerce initiatives and industry events to increase revenue and improve the USGA’s core functions.

Withers has more than 10 years of marketing and product development experience across a range of global brands.

Deere & Co announces changes to senior management

Deere & Co. has appointed two new senior officers and made new assignments for other members of the senior management team, including the creation of a position to leverage several key disciplines across the four divisions of the company.

James M. Field will become president of the worldwide commercial & consumer equipment division, and Markwart von Pentz will become president of the agricultural division, Europe, Africa and South America and global harvesting equipment sourcing.

Von Pentz replaces H. J. Markley, who was named executive vice president with responsibility across the entire Deere enterprise for worldwide parts services; global supply management and logistics; enterprise information technology; and corporate communications.
 
Field replaces Nathan J. Jones, who has elected to retire after 28 years with John Deere. John J. Dalhoff will become vice president and comptroller to replace Field.

Additional changes include the assignment of Advanced Technology and Innovation and Intelligent Mobile Equipment Technologies to Samuel R. Allen, who is President, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division and John Deere Power Systems; and the assignment of Corporate Human Resources and Industrial Relations to David C. Everitt, who is President, Agricultural Division, North America, Australia and Asia and Global Tractor & Implement Sourcing.

Project Evergreen scholarships awarded

Project EverGreen awarded its 2007 Because Green Matters scholarships to John Eastman, a student at Michigan State University, and Dustin Potts, a student at Purdue University. The $2,500 awards are designed to assist those preparing for careers in the green industry.

Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen, said, “Both winners have demonstrated their ability to combine high scholastic standing with strong participation and leadership in student activities—all while showing initiative to gain practical experience in career-related employment. They are well-suited to advance the role that the green industry plays in enhancing our environment and our economy.”

Eastman is working toward a degree in horticulture with an emphasis on landscape design and building. Potts is majoring in horticulture and landscape architecture.