ACRT’s William Anderson Awarded FVMA Scholarship

ACRT’s William Anderson Awarded FVMA Scholarship

William Anderson, Consulting Utility Forester 1 at ACRT, has been awarded the Florida Vegetation Management Association’s (FVMA) annual scholarship, a $2,500 award that supports education and leadership development within the vegetation management industry.

The scholarship recognizes individuals who are committed to advancing the future of vegetation management through professional growth, academic achievement, and industry leadership. For Anderson, the recognition reflects years of dedication to both his career and continuing education.

Anderson has been part of the ACRT Services family of companies for nearly five years. He originally worked under ACRT’s former Research, Science, and Innovation (RSI) team on innovation-focused utility projects and research initiatives, like BIOaudit™ assessments.

“That job was fantastic,” Anderson said. “I got so much opportunity to network with utility sector service providers and managers, work on innovative projects, and really lean into innovation within the utility sector.”

Following organizational transitions within the company, Anderson shifted to distribution operations, where he now serves as one of the regional inspectors supporting vegetation management operations across Florida. In his current role, he works closely with utility leadership, vendor crews, and field teams to support work planning, quality assurance, customer engagement, and safe operations.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Anderson is nearing completion of his Ph.D. through the University of Florida’s School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) Interdisciplinary Ecology program. He expects to complete the program later this year.

His doctoral research examines the impact of European Union deforestation regulations on smallholder cacao producers in Caribbean nations, with a focus on sustainability, international trade regulations, and agroforestry systems.

Before pursuing his doctorate, Anderson earned both an Executive Master of Business Administration and a master’s in international Sustainable Development Practice. He also holds numerous industry and environmental certifications, including ISA credentials, shorebird and rooftop bird monitoring certifications, gopher tortoise relocation certification, and HAZWOPER training.

Reflecting on his educational journey and the support he has received throughout his career, Anderson expressed gratitude for the mentors and organizations that helped shape his path.

“When I was considering pursuing a Ph.D., my father told me something that has stayed with me ever since: time is going to pass regardless of what you choose to do with it — so you might as well make the most of it,” Anderson shared.

He also credited FVMA, ACRT, and Duke Energy for supporting both his professional and academic growth.

“FVMA has created a platform that brings together industry professionals, researchers, educators, and field personnel in a way that genuinely helps people grow,” Anderson said. “Quite honestly, I would not be where I am today without the people, mentorship, and opportunities that came from this community.”

Anderson specifically recognized the leadership and support he has received from ACRT supervisors Jess Mason and Curt Godwin, as well as Duke Energy leadership teams.

“At ACRT, under the leadership of Mr. Jess Mason and Mr. Curt Godwin, I’ve been given opportunities across multiple roles that challenged me to grow, contribute, and continue developing professionally,” he said. “Both organizations have been instrumental in supporting my educational and professional goals, and I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without that encouragement and investment.”

As Anderson continues toward completing his doctorate, he remains focused on contributing to the vegetation management industry and supporting the communities served by utility professionals.

“I believe many of us in vegetation management are ultimately working toward the same goal: leaving things a little better than we found them for the communities we serve and the people who come after us,” Anderson said.

Interested in building a meaningful career in utility vegetation management? Explore opportunities with ACRT.