David Harris-John is Vice President of Operations at Smithereen. David began his career at Smithereen in 1986 as the branch manager at Smithereen’s West and State Street locations. David was promoted to the corporate role of VP of Operations in 1990.

David’s 37 year career in pest management services began in 1969 when he graduated with honors from Leicester University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology. David further completed graduate work in Museum Studies at Leicester.

David was employed by Rentokil Ltd (UK) in 1970 as a Field Biologist specializing in stored product insect infestations in food manufacturing facilities. David passed diploma certification with the Royal Society of Health and Hygiene and also passed the London City and Guilds certificate in Microbiology. David was also the lead liaison for special project work in Ireland and Qatar (UAE). David further initiated company training courses for all new Rentokil employees throughout the UK and was responsible for brining this course to the USA in 1976 when Rentokil acquired companies in New York.

In 1977 David moved to New York as a Rentokil Service Manager, then Branch manger in New York, and was promoted to the Technical Manager for North Region Rentokil, USA. David’s last position with Rentokil was the North Branch Manager in Chicago.

David joined Anderson Pest Control as the Chicago Branch Manager in 1981. David was responsible for dividing two branches through growth and in 1984 was promoted to Company Operations Manager.

David is active in the pest control industry associations in Illinois and has served as a board member of the Illinois Pest Control Association for over eight years and was President in 2000 – 2002. As a founding member of the Greater Chicago Pest Management Alliance in 2004, he currently serves as the Treasurer. He has also served on several committees dealing with legislative and regulatory issues affecting the pest control industry. David was recognized in June 2003 by Region 5 EPA for work in bringing IPM Methods to Illinois schools.

The Purdue University Pest Control Conference is a familiar place to David as he addressed the conference in 2003 and is currently on the planning committee for the 2007 Conference.

Outside interests, besides family, involve planning and coaching rugby. He has played 30 plus years in the UK and USA. David spends time as the head coach of the IASCW Shamrocks Rugby Club ( since 1998). Certificates include: Level 3 Coaching from USA Rugby and Level 1 Referees Certificate.

David is currently the Secretary of the Irish American Society of Will County.