Elevating Excellence in Utility Vegetation Management: Spotlight on Kendall’s Vice President of Operations, Craig Faulk 

At Kendall Vegetation Services, leadership doesn’t just mean managing operations. It means advancing the profession, elevating safety, and developing the next generation of experts. Craig Faulk, Vice President of Operations, whose 35-plus-year career spans nearly every role in utility vegetation management, reflects on that commitment clearly. 

Craig oversees Kendall’s vegetation operations throughout Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and parts of Mississippi, supporting crews who help ensure safe and reliable power for millions. His leadership is informed by deep field experience, technical expertise, and a people-first approach to operational safety. 

But one distinction especially demonstrates his dedication to the science and best practices of arboriculture: Craig is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) — the highest credential available in the arboriculture profession. There are only about 300 people with that distinction nationwide. 

Leading by Example 

Craig started his career as a groundsperson and worked his way up through multiple right-of-way and supervisory roles. When he began encouraging Kendall supervisors and general forepersons to pursue arboriculture credentials, he held himself to that same standard. 

“If I was going to ask others to take on additional professional development, I wanted to pursue the highest level of certification ISA offers,” he said. 

Since then, his region has supported: 

• Eight ISA Certified Arborists 

• Four ISA Utility Specialists 

And more team members are preparing for the test. It’s a ripple effect — one leader raising the bar encourages others to rise with him. 

Why Mastery Matters in the Field 

The BCMA credential represents advanced knowledge across science, safety, and real-world application. For Craig, it has made a direct impact on the organization. 

“The BCMA covers such a broad range of disciplines,” said Craig. “It’s made me a better instructor for crews and a stronger resource for colleagues and customers.” 

From risk evaluation to species selections and pruning standards, Craig helps translate scientific knowledge into practical guidance crews can use every day. He also emphasized the importance of subtle field observations, as that level of insight improves decision-making and reinforces Kendall’s culture of safety excellence. 

“Small changes in tree structure or site conditions can completely shift the level of risk. Helping crews understand why those details matter has strengthened our field awareness,” said Craig. 

A Passion for Growing Talent and Raising Standards 

Craig serves as President of the Georgia Vegetation Management Association and has been an active board member since 2009. He continues to help shape industry standards and professional development statewide. 

His message to those considering certification: “It challenges you, but it also broadens your perspective and strengthens safety, leadership, and communication in the field. Anyone looking to grow professionally would benefit from it.” 

A Leader Driven by Purpose 

Craig’s story reflects what makes Kendall unique: strong leadership built on hands-on experience, continuous improvement, and a deep responsibility to the people doing the work. 

We’re proud to highlight Craig’s expertise and the enormous value he brings to Kendall’s mission — delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality utility vegetation management to every community we serve.