Credit: Arrow Exterminators
ATLANTA – Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators announced the retirement of two industry leaders, Rick Bell and Ken Stieren, both of whom have dedicated their careers to advancing the pest control industry. Their official retirement date was May 31.
Rick Bell, Vice President of Government Affairs and Industry Stewardship, will be retiring after an extraordinary 48-year career in the pest control industry. Rick has been a vital member of Arrow for 36 years, where he led the development of the Technical Services department and made lasting contributions to termite business—especially in the areas of clearance letters, regulation, and real estate partnerships, the company said.
Bell’s leadership extended across the pest control industry, serving as president of both the Greater Atlanta Pest Control Association and the Georgia Pest Control Association (GPCA) during its landmark 50th anniversary year.
His list of accolades includes the GPCA Pioneer Award, the PCT Leadership Award, the FMC Legislative Award, and induction into the GPCA Hall of Fame. Bell also served on the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) Board of Directors and was active with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission. In 2007, he earned the Associate Certified Entomologist (A.C.E.) designation from the Entomological Society of America.
To honor Bell's legacy, Arrow Exterminators is establishing a scholarship through the Pest Management Foundation. This scholarship will support future pest management professionals and carry forward his commitment to education, leadership and excellence.
Also retiring is Ken Stieren, whose remarkable 40-year journey in the pest control industry began in 1984, when he answered a blind ad for a manager trainee in St. Louis, Miss. That leap of faith launched a career marked by ambition, adaptability and success. From early branch leadership roles to overseeing major markets and spearheading acquisitions, Ken brought strategic vision to every challenge.
In 2012, Stieren joined Arrow’s Executive Team as Senior Vice President of Sales. At that time, new sales totaled $30 million; today, that number has grown to over $130 million, thanks in large part to his leadership and collaborative approach across departments.
Stieren's accolades include being named Arrow’s Impact Player of the Year (2014–2015) and receiving The Jeffrey C. Singley Leadership Award (2020–2021). He also contributed to the NPMA in key roles, including being part of the inaugural NPMA Academy class and helping the Business Development Committee earn Committee of the Year honors in 2009, 2021, and 2022.
“Rick and Ken have each left an indelible mark on Arrow Exterminators and the pest control industry at large,” said Emily Thomas Kendrick, CEO of Arrow Exterminators. “Their leadership, wisdom, and dedication have helped shape who we are today. While their presence will be deeply missed, their legacies will continue to guide and inspire us for generations. We are forever grateful for their service, and we wish them both a joyful and well-deserved retirement!”
