OUR TEAM

Jeffrey Rossen, Founder & Head Honcho

It all started with Koi...

When Jeff was 12 years old, he raised Koi from eggs in an aquarium. Once the eggs hatched, his parents allowed him to build his first pond. Jeff spent five years rebuilding and perfecting the pond before launching his first business, Atlantic Landworks. A few years – and several ponds and gardens – later, Jeff graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Landscape Technology. Upon graduation, Jeff worked for the DC area’s two largest landscape companies, absorbing as much information about landscaping and customer service as he could. This knowledge formed the strong foundation on which he built Rossen Landscape. Jeff currently sits on the board of directors of the MD-DC-VA Landscape Contractors Association. In his free time Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, 3 boys, and menagerie of plants and animals. Piddling around in his pond with a beer remains one of his favorite things to do in addition to fishing, snowboarding, and playing basketball.

Favorite Plant: Tiger Eyes Sumac

To read more about Jeff's story visit this link:

https://profilesinsuccessbook.com/profile-success/jeffrey-rossen/

Jason Navon, Integrator

Given his pollen allergies, Jason never expected to find himself working in the landscape industry. However, in 2010 his high school buddy, Jeff Rossen, called and asked for help. After nearly a decade at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Jason hung up his tie and rolled up his sleeves to get dirty at Rossen Landscape. Jason’s knack for numbers, propensity for problem-solving, and enthusiasm for efficiency immediately added value at Rossen Landscape, which earned Jason a number of “hats.” He joined to lead the financial function, but quickly played an integral role in the operations of the business ensuring seamless integration among (and within) each major function of the business (i.e., sales, operations, finance). Jason has built out the business processes at Rossen Landscape to create a system that allows Jeff’s vision to flourish.

Jason currently serves on the board of the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA). He lives with his wife in Arlington, Virginia. They enjoy traveling, being active (e.g., soccer, pilates, snowboarding, rollerblading, pickleball, etc.), and decompressing on the couch with bad reality tv.

Favorite Plant: Succulents (They are low maintenance and don’t trigger his allergies.)

Francine Rossen, Director of Sales

Originally from South Africa, Francine’s family moved to Virginia Beach when she was a child. At the age of nine she met Jeff Rossen, and the two have been together ever since. Francine left a successful sales career to raise their children but now that the youngest is in school, Francine is thrilled to return to the workforce and help Rossen Landscape grow. Francine is available to help resolve any sales-related questions.

Favorite Plant: Gerber Daisy

April Sullivan, Senior Design & Sales Consultant

April first met Jeff in college where she was working on a degree in horticulture with an emphasis on small business management. It made perfect sense then for her to join Rossen in 2012 as the enhancement manager. Today, as the lead designer and sales lead, April may be one of the first people you meet at Rossen. It’s her job to make sure you have an innovative and unique design that meets your needs as well as the needs of your landscape and budget. Existing clients are always welcome to contact April to discuss new needs.

Favorite Plant: Annuals & Tropicals

Sam Eashum, Design & Sales Consultant

Sam joins the team with over a decade of experience in the Green Industry. His love of nature led him to seek a fulfilling career outdoors in landscaping. While studying Landscape Design and Horticulture at The University of Delaware, he began his professional career working for one of the nation’s largest landscape companies. After several years gaining experience and insight on the installation and maintenance side, he began a career in design in Delaware and Pennsylvania before moving to Virginia in 2016. His favorite part of designing is helping clients transform their property to an inviting and relaxing space. When Sam isn’t helping to beautify yards, he enjoys spending time with his wife (A fellow Delaware Blue Hen), and their pets, traveling, and rooting for the Miami Dolphins. He’s looking forward to helping you in any way that he can!

Anna Wei, Landscape Designer

Anna is native to our area having grown up down the road in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Through her higher education at the University of Virginia, she combines her architectural background with a deep passion for landscaping. She thrives on integrating nature into her cohesive design plans, finding joy in creating environments that harmonize with the natural world. Art and drawing have always been a part of Anna's life, and now professionally she’s able to enhance her beautiful illustrations with a technical touch.

During her free time, Anna stays active by hiking local trails and hitting the gym. Her friendly demeanor and unwavering dedication make her a valuable asset to the design-build team at Rossen Landscape, where she creates inspiring landscapes that nurture the human spirit.

Favorite Plant: Live Oak

Jay Carmony, Client Relationship Manager (CRM)

Jay’s passion for outdoor environments is only matched by his acute dedication to building strong relationships with his clients. His education (Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Strayer University) and experience (horticulture and sales) has provided the foundation for success in his role as CRM.

Jay understands the importance of communication and goes the extra mile to ensure his projects go according to plan. Whether Jay is managing a team or working on a project independently, he is clearly focused on his top priority: client happiness.

Outside the workplace, Jay burns energy playing hockey, which is balanced by his meditation practice, which helps him stay grounded.

Favorite Plant: Dragon Fruit Tree and Japanese Acer

Ben Liggio, Client Relationship Manager (CRM)

Ben Liggio brings over three decades of industry expertise to the Rossen Landscape team. Ben's journey began in Smithtown, New York on the North Shore of Long Island and has brought him and his wife to their cherished home in northern Virginia. Ben's work ethic was instilled from a young age, nurturing his passion for the client experience related to his craft. He thrives in fostering enduring relationships, fulfilling his clients’ needs with steady dedication.

When Ben’s not tending to our clients’ gardens, he seeks solace by traveling to the Dominican Republic (and other Caribbean destinations) soaking up quality time with his family. Ben is a sports enthusiast and particularly enjoys watching games live. When not traveling to islands or arenas, Ben enjoys spending time at home with his furriest family members: two beloved boxer dogs, Chloe and Max.

Favorite Plant: Camelia

Elias Liloy, Client Relationship Manager (CRM)

Born and raised in Manhattan, Elias found his passion for the outdoors while living in Hawaii, surrounded by its natural beauty. He was inspired by Oahu's tropical setting and nature trails. This led to six years of service in the Coast Guard based in Charleston, SC. Elias brings his military discipline to his private sector career, where he finds true joy in connecting with people and turning their landscape dreams into reality.

Elias crafts exquisite landscapes, influenced by his inspirational journey from urban roots to the heart of nature's aesthetics. His passion and professionalism delight the people with whom he partners and the properties he enhances and maintains.

Whenever possible, Elias still seeks out nature trails to explore with his loyal Chow Shepherd mix, Empress. His appreciation for the outdoors was passed down to his daughter, who is a skilled equestrian.

Favorite Plant: Gardenia

Sterns Lott III, Director of Landscape Operations

Sterns is a passionate horticulturist with roots in Springfield, VA, where his love for nature first blossomed. Inspired by one of his first jobs working in a nursery, he pursued a degree in Horticulture at Virginia Tech, seeking a career where he could incorporate his love for the outdoors. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Sterns joins the Rossen Landscape team with a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to excellence.

For Sterns, landscaping isn't just a job – it's a chance to leave a lasting legacy. He thrives on projects that transform spaces into works of art, knowing they'll endure for a long time. His dedication to his craft is matched only by his love for connecting with clients and industry peers, finding kinship among fellow nature enthusiasts.

Outside of work, Sterns finds joy in staying active with his wife and three dogs, whether hiking, kayaking, or playing pickleball. His zest for life is infectious and his commitment to creating beautiful landscapes is unwavering.

Favorite Plant: Live Oak and Eastern Redbud

Brandon Hennessy, Project Manager

Brandon is a true New Englander who majored in Economics at the University of Utah. Ultimately, the great outdoors called to him, which is how he found landscaping at the turn of the century. In 2008, Brandon joined our team and has been building beautiful landscapes for our clients ever since. Brandon sees the splendor of his craft as taking a blank canvas and turning it into something stunning. Brandon’s hobbies involve any activity outdoors, from mountain biking to camping or skiing in the winter.

Favorite Plant: Southern Live Oak

John Wood, Project Manager

John is a native Virginian and 30-year veteran in the industry. After pursuing his degree in Engineering at West Virginia Tech, he discovered his passion for landscaping and has honed his craft, specifically, as a Project Manager for the past decade. John especially cherishes connecting with his clients to bring their landscape wishes to life. When John is not building functional landscape elements, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Favorite Plant: Southern Magnolia

Victor Pastor, Maintenance Production Manager

Victor started working in landscaping while he was attending college (earning a degree in cybersecurity), and his career path continues in the green industry. Victor contributes a robust skill set and wealth of knowledge managing the Rossen Landscape maintenance field team to deliver high-quality results for our clients and their properties. Although his hobby is electronics (including fixing computers), Victor’s true passion is the outdoors, where he enjoys spending time with his family and his Border Collie-Australian Shepherd named Spot. Victor was born in Peru and came to the Northern Virginia area when he was five years old. Victor likes the Northern Virginia area and all the “organized chaos” that comes along with living in this sprawling metropolis.

Favorite Plant: Burning Bush

Steve Blaine, Production Coordinator

Steve comes to Rossen Landscape with a wealth of experience in the construction industry. He started his career with a large construction company, gaining experience in various roles, from accounts payable to warranty manager. Steve then transitioned to be a landscape project manager for a home builder and has enjoyed making his office in the great outdoors! The customer experience and building client relationships are paramount to Steve.

Steve is a Virginia native. Steve enjoys spending time with his two kids and wife in his free time, often doing one of their favorite pastimes…hiking! Steve also finds fulfillment in volunteering at his church. Steve is passionate about sports and visiting the local nursery to add to his ever-expanding oasis (aka his yard!).

Favorite Plant: Crape Myrtle

Antonio Downing, Plant & Turf Care Technician

Meet Antonio, a passionate professional originally from Washington, DC, now residing in Leesburg, VA. His dedication to transforming outdoor spaces into vibrant havens stems from a childhood memory of his father's unwavering commitment to their own yard. Witnessing his dad revive a lifeless backyard ignited Antonio's love for landscaping, inspiring his journey in the industry.

Antonio's joy lies in nurturing lush, healthy turfs, and vibrant flower beds. He believes in the beauty of natural growth, a philosophy reflected in his work, creating landscapes that flourish organically.

Beyond his green thumb, Antonio is a family man, cherishing moments with his daughters, Isabella and Heaven. In his free time, Antonio shoots hoops, not just for fitness but as a metaphor for the transformative power of dedication—a principle that echoes in both his professional and personal life. Antonio is a landscaper with a heart and spirit dedicated to growth and beauty.

Favorite Plant: Crape Myrtle, White Gardenia, & Whipping Willow

Jill Diamond Mirkovich, Procurement Manager

Jill Mirkovich, a Lafayette, Louisiana native, recalls a childhood climbing trees, picking blackberries, and exploring the swampy woods and coastal meadows of south Louisiana. Her enthusiasm for the outdoors remains steadfast as she loves to hike in wooded areas with her family in observation of new plant communities and native plant identification. Jill holds a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architectural Studies from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, University of Arkansas. Her focus of study included landscape design, horticulture, and environmental restoration. Previously working for Mississippi State University Extension’s Crosby Arboretum and Banting’s Nursery of New Orleans, her career focused on land conservation, environmental educational outreach, nursery stock propagation, and sales. Jill is grateful to now be a part of the fast-paced Rossen Landscape team.

Favorite Plant: Favorite plant genus is Quercus (Oaks), and favorite planting combination includes David Austin Roses, Liatris spicata, Peonies, Amsonia hubrichtii, Baptisia australis, and Echinacea ‘Magnus.’

Max Chase, Fleet & Facility Manager

Max, originally from Great Falls, VA, exemplifies the landscape industry's power of determination and lifelong learning. With over a decade of experience in various trades, he is narrowing his focus by pursuing an associate degree in Horticulture Technology at NOVA.

Starting as a runner at Rossen Landscape, Max's dedication and professionalism propelled him to become a valued management team member. With a passion for all mechanical things, Max’s skillset and expertise ensure that our landscape production remains on track through the maintenance of our fleet and facility. Max approaches each challenge with quiet confidence, always leading to a solution.

Beyond the shop/yard, Max finds joy in spending quality time with loved ones, playing cards and video games, and maintaining his vehicle.

Favorite Flower: Mimosa Tree

Robin Flanigan, Accounting

Robin brought with her over 25 years of accounting experience when she joined Rossen Landscape in 2015. Robin believes her love of puzzles and putting all the pieces in place makes her the perfect fit to bring all the pieces together in the accounting department at Rossen Landscape. When not counting beans, she is spending time with family and friends. Robin is happy to assist you with any billing questions.

Favorite Plant: Shasta Daisies and Yellow Roses.

Kai Djordjevic, Director of Talent & Culture

Kai is originally from San Antonio, TX. Although she did spend half of her childhood in Mexico City, which gives her a unique and rich perspective when connecting with our team. After earning her Bachelor’s degree from The Culinary Institute of America, Kai found an appetite for management, training, and recruiting staff. This passion drove her to pursue her MBA in Human Resources at Liberty University. Kai leverages her 17+ years of management experience to support and foster Rossen Landscape’s incredible culture, including the recruitment of high-quality landscape professionals.

Favorite Plant: Moulin Rouge Sunflower and Weeping Willow Tree