Charles F. Walton
(Ornamental Horticulture, B.S., '66)
Charles F. Walton graduated in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture. After serving as an officer in the U.S. Army, he joined Davey Tree Expert Company and later, Smithers-Oasis Company, an international producer and marketer of floral and horticultural products. During his career, Walton has held a variety of positions ranging from marketing and product development to president and chief executive officer. In 1986, he acquired the Smithers-Oasis Company from its family owners and in 2010 transferred ownership to his international management team. Today, he serves as a member of its board of directors. Walton has served on the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences Dean’s Advisory Council for the last 16 years. He and his wife, April, reside in Ohio.