Advisors List
Brian Mitalo
Southeast
Brian Mitalo
Southeast
Brian Mitalo brought his expertise to Tournesol in 2004, following several impactful years with Rain Bird’s Residential/Commercial group. Today, he leads Tournesol’s Business Development and Specification Advisor teams, playing a key role in bringing some of the company’s most ambitious projects to life, including standout installations like 1K Fulton in Chicago and Greenville’s vibrant Camperdown Plaza and Streetscape.
With more than two decades of on-structure experience under his belt, Brian thrives on partnering with design teams to seamlessly weave Tournesol’s solutions into the architectural fabric of a building. His problem-solving mindset and deep technical knowledge make him a go-to ally for contractors facing tough installations or unexpected on-site challenges.
Brian often says he's “very thankful to work with so many talented, creative people and the opportunity to help bring their spaces to life.” When he's not collaborating on innovative spaces, you’ll likely find him carving fresh tracks through the trees—he’s a passionate skier who never misses a chance to hit the slopes.
Melissa Zepeda
Southern California, Southwest
Melissa Zepeda
Southern California, Southwest
Melissa Zepeda brings creativity, experience, and a deep passion for design to the Advisor team, following three successful years on Tournesol’s sales team. Known for her collaborative spirit and design-savvy mindset, she partners with landscape architects and designers to bring their visions to life—from concept to completion.
Her work shines in standout projects like the Hotel Del Coronado (Coronado, CA), The Park at Park Place (Irvine, CA), and PCH & MLK Affordable Housing (Long Beach, CA), along with many others throughout the Southwest region.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys traveling with her family and staying curious. Reflecting on her professional journey, she shares, “As I continue to evolve in this industry,” she says, “I grow more eager to understand the processes, goals, and challenges of the built environment. I'm grateful to learn from so many talented people every day.”
Henry Lyon
Northeast
Henry Lyon
Northeast
Henry Lyon, a Bay Area native, has been immersed in the world of Tournesol from a young age—spending summers interning in the Union City facility and gaining hands-on experience in operations. Now, as an Advisor, he brings that deep-rooted familiarity and passion to his work, partnering with landscape architects and designers to help bring their visions to life. One of his most recent projects was at Jefferson Health Honickman Center in Philadelphia, PA. Whether it’s a streetscape, courtyard, or rooftop oasis, Henry is committed to helping create beautiful, functional environments that reflect both creativity and purpose.
A graduate of Boston College with a focus in Psychology and Linguistics, Henry combines thoughtful communication with a genuine curiosity about how people experience space. Outside of work, you’ll find him on the rugby pitch (a sport he played in college), out fishing, hitting the golf course, or diving into a good game of chess.
Mark Parra
Midwest
Mark Parra
Midwest
Meet Mark Parra on our Advisor team, bringing his deep industry expertise to the Midwest region. With over 20 years of experience in building and architectural products, Mark knows what it takes to bring ambitious designs to life. He’s worked with industry leaders like Kingspan Benchmark, known for high-performance architectural panels, and El Dorado Stone, collaborating closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to drive projects to success from concept to completion.
What fuels Mark’s drive? “I’m constantly juggling a ton of different balls in the air, trying to keep all of them up at the same time… that’s what keeps me going every day,” he says. It’s that energy and adaptability that make him a perfect fit for the fast-paced, creative world of design and construction.
Based just outside of Chicago in the southwest suburbs, Mark enjoys life with his wife and kids and treasures their spontaneous family adventures. And if you're looking for fun facts—he’s got plenty. He once won $15K, has a knack for poker, and even spent time as a ski instructor. Let’s just say he’s always up for a challenge—on the slopes, at the table, or on the job site.
Troy Parsons
Midwest, South Central, Southeast, Northeast, Canada
Troy Parsons
Midwest, South Central, Southeast, Northeast, Canada
Troy Parsons brings decades of industry expertise to the Advisor team, having spent three years on Tournesol’s sales team and 24 years before that in the distribution world, where he specialized in commercial landscape products—including Tournesol’s own. His deep product knowledge and hands-on experience have made him a key contributor to the success of major projects across both the Pacific Northwest and Southeastern U.S.
Troy thrives on partnering with landscape architects and designers to bring their creative visions to life. Known for his collaborative spirit and technical insight, he’s passionate about helping shape beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
Outside of work, Troy channels that same passion for exploration into travel. Whether it's weekend getaways or global adventures, he and his wife love discovering new places. One of their most unforgettable journeys? A 2½-week photo safari through the Serengeti—“the trip of a lifetime,” as Troy describes it.
Ransom Mayfield
Northwest, Mountain States, California, Southwest
Ransom Mayfield
Northwest, Mountain States, California, Southwest
Since 2007, Ransom Mayfield has been Tournesol’s go-to expert on Green Facades and Green Wall systems. With a strong background in sustainable design, he supports successful green installations across the country. A LEED® Green Associate and graduate of UCLA Extension’s landscape architecture program, Ransom brings both technical expertise and creative vision to every project.
Before joining Greenscreen®, he worked for a landscape design-build firm and spent 15 years in the arts, including roles at MOCA and Track 16 Gallery—experience that continues to shape his design-forward approach.
A Los Angeles native and USC alum, Ransom enjoys catching live shows at the Hollywood Bowl and fueling his love for travel. One of his most memorable adventures? A year spent living in London after college—a formative experience that still inspires his passion for culture and place.
David Farber
Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana
David Farber
Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana
We’re excited to welcome David to the Business Development Team as our newest Advisor. With over 15 years of experience in landscape architecture, David brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong design sensibility to his new role, where he’ll focus on expanding our presence in Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
A 2010 graduate of LSU’s Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture, David has contributed to numerous award-winning projects across a broad spectrum—from vibrant streetscapes and civic plazas to university campuses, public parks, and private estates. His work is defined by meticulous attention to detail, deep design commitment, and a practitioner’s insight into the landscape architecture profession.
Having lived in New Jersey, Louisiana, Colorado, and now Texas, David has numerous connections throughout the U.S. He’s an avid outdoorsman who enjoys high-elevation hiking and camping, and he’s also a passionate geology enthusiast—frequenting both national and international fossil and mineral shows.