MEET OUR TEAM
Scott McDonald - Chief Operating Officer/ VP of Operations
As the Chief Operating Officer, Scott directs all field operations for North Country’s FM Department, directing both employees and subcontractors to ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery. With over 25 years of industry experience, Scott brings deep operational expertise to every aspect of the business.
Scott is responsible for defining project budgets, inspecting facilities, and evaluating resource allocation—including crews, equipment, and procedural improvements. He manages subcontractor compliance, performance auditing, and billing accuracy, while also overseeing the procurement of equipment, supplies, and materials to support year-round operations.
In the winter season, Scott leads snow and ice management operations across North Country’s Northern Tier service region, managing logistics for all Winter Operations, readiness, and execution at scale.
Ben Murphy - Executive Project Manager/ Partner
Ben Murphy is a key member of North Country’s ownership group and serves as Executive Project Manager for North Country Facilities Management. With a strong background in field operations and project oversight, Ben plays a critical leadership role in managing complex service portfolios across multiple high-demand properties.
During the winter season, Ben focuses on directing operations at North Country’s largest and most logistically demanding sites. His responsibilities include coordinating personnel and equipment, managing service timelines, and ensuring contract standards are met or exceeded.
Yvonne Petro - Bookkeeper
Yvonne is responsible for recording and maintaining accurate financial records for North Country. She documents all financial transactions, including sales, purchases, payments, payroll, and operational expenses, ensuring that the company's books are kept up-to-date and compliant with accounting standards.
With over 13 years of experience at North Country, Yvonne has held a variety of roles that have given her a deep understanding of both field operations and back-office functions. Her longevity and versatility make her a valuable asset to the team, providing continuity, institutional knowledge, and a reliable foundation for the company’s financial processes.
Nichole Ashton - Senior Account Manager
Based remotely in Ontario, Canada, Nichole Ashton is a Senior Account Manager at North Country Snow and Ice Management. She brings deep expertise in client relations and winter maintenance operations, serving as a key liaison between customers, vendors, and internal teams. Nichole is known for balancing expectations and effectively managing service delivery across all parties.
She serves on the Board of Directors for the Smart About Salt Council (SASC), where she promoted sustainable winter maintenance practices and helped develop industry training and certification standards.
Nichole’s prior roles include Director of Operations at Urban Meadows Property Maintenance Group and Staffing Training Coordinator at Clintar. She holds a Certified Salt Applicator – Master designation from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and is a Certified Snow Professional (CSP) & an Advanced Snow Manager (ASM) through the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA). She also completed studies at Conestoga College in Ontario.
Kristina Lewis - Administrative Services Manager
Kristina joined North Country in 2019 and serves as the Administrative Services Manager, playing a vital role in supporting daily operations and organizational efficiency. She is responsible for managing office systems, training staff, and ensuring smooth internal processes across departments.
Her work directly impacts critical functions such as time-sensitive reporting, regulatory compliance, risk and liability controls, internal auditing, and DOT compliance. Kristina’s attention to detail and process-driven approach help maintain the structure and accountability essential to North Country’s continued success.
Michael Merrill - Chief Executive Officer/ President
As CEO and President of North Country Snow and Ice Management, Michael Merrill is responsible for the strategic direction, growth, and continuity of the North Country brand. With over 20 years of leadership experience spanning both North Country and Darden Restaurants, Michael brings a strong background in operational management, team development, and client service.
Michael is deeply engaged in the snow and ice management industry, where he is known for his dedication to professional development and industry advancement. He provides ongoing training and mentorship to snow and ice professionals and has held leadership roles including Chair of the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) Education Committee and member of the Editorial Advisory Board for Snow Business Magazine.