Matthew Sabellico
Hopewell Junction,NY
Summary
Dynamic Chief Operating Officer with over 20 years of expertise in operations and facilities management, dedicated to fostering employee engagement, enhancing public outreach, and promoting agricultural excellence to drive growth. Results-oriented operations professional adept at managing complex projects while ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness. Recognized for a collaborative leadership style and unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes. Proven ability in strategic planning and team leadership, consistently adapting to meet the evolving demands of the business landscape.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Operations
Sabellico Greenhouses & Florist Inc.
04.2004 - 11.2025
- Managed facility upkeep, staff training, and grower program implementation for 2.5 acres of greenhouses and a 25+ acre outdoor farm.
- Lead Director of all horticultural and agricultural systems and growing techniques. Some aspects included, but were not limited to irrigation and plant nutrition, crop planning, cultivation and preparation, plant knowledge, propagation: seed and tissue culture.
- Experience with greenhouse growing systems: Wadsworth and Priva.
- Managed all phases of onsite greenhouse construction, including wiring and irrigation, resulting in the successful completion of 20,000 sq. ft of greenhouses.
- Coordinated certifications, developed new growing systems and plans, and led controlled environment agriculture initiatives.
- 15 years of developing and implementing a farm-wide IPM program, incorporating biological controls and beneficial insects.
- Founded and developed the farm's Food, Produce, and CSA Programs, which include salad greens, micro-greens, fruit and berry cultivation, greenhouse and field-grown produce, herbs, and cut flowers.
- Managed irrigation systems including controllers, low voltage wiring, relays, solenoid valves, sprinklers, floods, and drip equipment.
- Ensured proper functioning of gas and oil-fired furnaces, boilers, heaters, and cooling equipment.
- Highly experienced Lead Equipment Operator with extensive knowledge in operating heavy equipment like loaders, forklifts, excavators, tractors, and various other implements. Equipped with the proficiency to instruct and guide staff on the effective use of machinery. Also proficient in Gas and Diesel Equipment Service, Maintenance, and Repair.
- Executed comprehensive management of various retail areas, including tree, shrubs, and perennial nursery, with parallel responsibilities in garden center operations.
- Development and implementation of company Point-Of-Sale system.
- Increased brand visibility through effective management of social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Garden and landscape design and installation.
- Streamlined operational workflows, enhancing efficiency across greenhouse production and floristry services.
- Developed and implemented training programs, mentoring staff on best practices for plant care and customer service.
Education
Food Safety Certification -
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
School of The Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Tufts University
Boston, MACCE Growers School Annual CE - Horticulture
Cornell University
Ithaca, NYGrowers Intensive Certificate - Controlled Environment Agriculture
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ01.2015
NYS Pesticide Applicator -
NYS DEC
NYS01.2010
High School Diploma -
Poughkeepsie Day School
Poughkeepsie NY01.2001
Permaculture Designer Certificate -
Center For Bioregional Living
Ellenville, NY01-2024
Skills
- Project coordination
- Data-driven decision making
- Effective communication
- Effective organization
- Analytical problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Innovative thinking
- Analytical problem-solving
- Dedicated professional attitude
- Workplace environment optimization
- Data-informed strategy development
- Business requirements analysis
- Strategic planning
- Efficiency monitoring
- Operational management
- Partnership development
- Market expansion strategies
- Performance assessment strategies
- Operational efficiency
- Risk analysis
- Strategic delegation skills
- Proficient in structural maintenance
- Competent in Microsoft Office Suite
- Capable of lifting 100 pounds
- Repair and upkeep
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Interpersonal skills
- Operational productivity
- Efficiency monitoring
- Long-term strategic planning
- Implementation of strategic plans
- Customer engagement
- Strategic business leadership
Accomplishments
- Dutchess County Farms FFA Golden Tractor Award Recipient, 2021
- Contributing Editor East Fishkill, Fishkill, and Lagrange Living Magazine 2014-current
- Sponsor of the Culinary Institute of America’s Farm to Table Course’s Keystone Project 2023
- Key Contributor for the 2022 Dutchess County Right to Farm Law signed into law by Congressman Molinaro
- 2024 Agricultural District Inclusions Legislation, Dutchess County
- Member of the Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce
- Excellence in Agribusiness Award Recipient 2015
- 40 under 40 Award, 2020
- Generational Business Award, 2023
- Hudson Valley Magazine, Best of Hudson Valley Winner: Best Garden Center 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018 , Best Farmer, 2023, Best Plant Shop, 2024, Best Garden Center& Florist 2025,
· Board Member, Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticultural Education Programs.
· Chairman, Dutchess County Agricultural Advisory Committee.
· Chairman, Dutchess County AG, and Farmland Protection Board.
· Member, NY Farm Bureau
· Active Future Farmers of America Board Member - John Jay FFA, Dutchess County BOCES FFA, Orange County BOCES FFA
Affiliations
- Drumming and Music
- Artistic Expression
- Ordained Minister
- Hiking
- Family
- love of dogs
- Creating beautiful spaces and landscape design.
Certification
· USDA Certified Organic Program Leader.
· USDA Food Safety Certified.
· NYS Certified Pesticide Applicator.
- Hydroponic Growing Certification
- Ordained Minister through American Fellowship Church.
Awards and Affiliates
- Dutchess County Farms FFA Golden Tractor Award Recipient 2021
- Contributing Editor East Fishkill, Fishkill, and Lagrange Living Magazine 2014-current
- Sponsor of the Culinary Institute of America’s Farm to Table Course’s Keystone Project 2023
- Key Contributor for the 2022 Dutchess County Right to Farm Law signed into law by Congressman Molinaro
- 2024 Agricultural District Inclusions Legislation Dutchess County
- Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Agribusiness Award Recipient 2015
- 40 under 40 Award 2020
- Generational Business Award 2023
- Hudson Valley Magazine Best of Winner Best Garden Center 2012,
- Best Farmer 2023
- Best Plant Shop 2024
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Operations
Sabellico Greenhouses & Florist Inc.
04.2004 - 11.2025
Food Safety Certification -
Cornell University
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
School of The Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Tufts University
CCE Growers School Annual CE - Horticulture
Cornell University
Growers Intensive Certificate - Controlled Environment Agriculture
University of Arizona
NYS Pesticide Applicator -
NYS DEC
High School Diploma -
Poughkeepsie Day School
Permaculture Designer Certificate -
Center For Bioregional Living