Dr. Earth names new president and COO

In December, Dr. Earth, Inc. appointed Ray Sidey president and Debra White chief operating officer of the Winters, California-based company that specializes in organic gardening products. Dr. Earth also hired Benjamin Souvey as its financial analyst.

Sidey, who formerly served as the company’s vice president, has been with Dr. Earth for more than three years and brings 50 years of industry experience to the president position. Sidey will serve on Dr. Earth’s advisory board, as well.

He started in the horticulture industry when he was 20 as a bedding plant delivery driver in the Los Angeles Valley area.

“I started [in the industry] as a loader working weekends. [I] moved up to a department manager, and then went on to work for Coast Nurseries in Gardena [California],” Sidey says. “The reason I chose the industry was the people.”

Sidey was voted to the position by Dr. Earth’s six-person advisory board, led by Dr. Earth Founder & CEO Milo Shammas.

“Ray is one of the most skilled and seasoned people in our industry. No one can do what Ray does seven days a week or 30 days per month—nonstop,” Shammas says.

White, who will serve as Dr. Earth’s chief operating officer, came on board with Dr. Earth in December 2018. White brings her 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, where she held multiple vice president roles in information technology and fleet maintenance, was part of the executive team and held seats on Dana, Inc. and Spireon’s advisory boards.

“I have always had a passion for horticulture and organic gardening as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle for my family and pets,” White says. “I'm pretty adamant about eating all organic food, grass fed meat and dairy products. I have admired, followed and used the Dr. Earth brand for years.”

Benjamin Souvey, who will serve as Dr. Earth’s new financial analyst, graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. Souvey started as an actuarial assistant upon graduating and then moved onto being an accounting assistant. He then he decided to look for a position he was more passionate about.

“After meeting with Milo [Shammas] and the rest of the team, it was clear that this company was passionate about what they were doing. Although I hadn't previously worked in the horticulture industry, the focus on the customer and having a positive impact on the world was exactly what I was looking for,” Souvey says.