NNBA names Crystal Cay as CEO-designate

Northwest Nursery Buyers Association (NNBA), a  cooperative of independent retail nurseries and garden centers in the Pacific Northwest, announced that it has named Crystal Cady as the CEO-Designate. John A. Trax Jr., who has been the CEO and general manager for the past 18 years will retire at the end of 2024.

Cady’s employment began in late September. She will work alongside Trax through the end of 2024, at which point she will fully assume the reins of the association.

“Through an extensive search process to identify an individual to take over the reins of NNBA, I am very pleased that we have found the perfect fit in terms of background, education and temperament to fill this crucial position,” said Bill Raynolds, board chairman for NNBA. “I have every confidence that Crystal will do an exemplary job at working with current members and guiding the Co-Op through the next stages of growth.”

“I am honored and excited to accept this responsibility and begin working with current leadership to transition into the role,” said Cady. “I stand for what the NNBA started as and exists for and I look forward to continuing the organic growth of the association, leveraging new opportunities and enriching the group’s collaboration for long term mutual success. As the association moves into its next chapter, I’m eager to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and use my knowledge and skills to lead and grow alongside some of the most brilliant and talented folks in our industry.”

Cady has a B.S. degree in Horticulture and an MBA from Oregon State University. She serves on the OAN Farwest Show Committee, Retail and Greenhouse Chapter Board and has earned numerous accolades during her career including being awarded 40 under 40 by Greenhouse Product News (GPN) and Retailer of the Year and Young Nursery Professional of the Year by the OAN.

Cady also has more than 25 years of experience in the industry and has demonstrated success in leadership, management, relationship building and garden retail. Prior to coming on board with NNBA, Cady has worked for and with NNBA member retailers and vendors in key roles.

As account manager for Skagit Gardens, Crystal successfully accelerated territory growth from $1.3M to $3.6M in four years and strengthened relationships and communication at all business levels with over 150 key accounts across Oregon, Washington and California.

Before joining Skagit Gardens in 2016, Cady had been the event and education manager for the OAN where she was responsible for developing all educational programs, producing and managing nursery tours, show features, and networking events for the Farwest Trade Show. She succeeded in retention and recruitment of 400+ current and 25+ new exhibitors each year.

Before joining the OAN, Cady held positions at Garland Nursery, Springtime Nursery & Landscape and Drake’s 7 Dees.

The Northwest Nursery Buyers Association is a member owned cooperative located in the Pacific Northwest. It represents independent retail nurseries and garden centers in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and northern California. For more information, visit nnba.info.