NEPMA unveils new board at annual awards dinner

The New England Pest Management Association (NEPMA) hosted its annual dinner and awards meeting on Dec. 3, 2025, bringing together pest management professionals from across the region for an evening of celebration, recognition and leadership advancement.

Board elections and leadership updates

During the meeting, NEPMA held elections to fill two open seats on the board of directors, welcoming Dan Forand of Pilgrim Pest Professionals and Rich Merullo of Ultra Safe Pest Management.

They join current directors Daniel Brady, Kevin Flynn, ACE, PCQI, Jim O’Neil, and Will Weaver, along with NEPMA’s executive board, which continues its leadership with Mike Bourdeau, ACE as president, Courtney Carace, ACE as president-elect, Hope Bowman as treasurer, Kevin Goldman as clerk, and David Flynn as past president.

Jim O’Neil receives Bartlett W. Eldredge award

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of NEPMA’s highest honor, the Bartlett W. Eldredge Award, to Jim O’Neil of Rentokil Terminix. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional long-term commitment to the betterment of the pest control industry in New England, outstanding community service and the respect of their peers.

Jim O’Neil’s career and contributions

Jim began his career in pest management on November 1, 1990, with Terminix in Windsor, Conn. Following a nine-month training program, he rose quickly within the organization, serving as branch manager in several Connecticut offices including Trumbull and Norwalk — each twice — as well as Suffern, N.Y. During this time, he and his wife Andrea welcomed their two children Patrick and Jennifer.

In 1997, Jim and his family returned to Massachusetts to be closer to extended family, settling in Mattapoisett, where they still reside today. Over the years, Jim managed multiple Terminix branches throughout Massachusetts, including Milford, Taunton, Hyannis and Bourne and also oversaw the Rhode Island operation for more than a year.

Jim’s leadership continued to grow as he served as Regional Service Manager and Regional Support Manager for all New England states, focusing on branch operations, colleague training and customer service excellence. These roles evolved into Territory Support Manager, expanding his responsibilities into New York and Pennsylvania. Following the Rentokil acquisition, Jim joined the Rentokil-Terminix Compliance team, where he currently serves as Compliance Manager for New England and New York, supporting 47 offices across both regions.

Service to NEPMA

Jim became actively involved with NEPMA in 2021 and has since contributed significantly to the Association’s mission. He has served on the Nominating, Legislative and Education committees and currently serves on the Board of Directors and as the State Policy Affairs Representative (SPAR) for Vermont.

A life rooted in family and community

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Jim is deeply committed to family life. He enjoys time with his wife Andrea; daughter Jennifer and her husband Andrew; son Patrick, his wife Chrissy and their children — Finn, age three (born during PestWorld Boston) and Claire, who recently turned one. Jim is also an avid runner, maintaining a daily goal of at least two miles.

“Jim’s dedication, integrity and passion have made a tremendous impact on our industry and our association,” said NEPMA President-Elect Courtney Carace. “His leadership and service to NEPMA exemplify the values celebrated by the Bartlett W. Eldredge Award.”