AFE welcomes new leadership and board appointments
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) announced its incoming chairman, new Board of Trustees members and leadership appointments, effective Sept. 1.
The incoming leaders bring expertise from across the floriculture industry and will help guide AFE’s strategic direction while supporting the organization’s research, education, scholarships and industry initiatives.
The organization also extends its appreciation to its outgoing Trustees for their dedicated service.
Incoming Chairman
Art Van Wingerden, Metrolina Greenhouses
Art Van Wingerden will begin a two-year term as AFE chairman in September, succeeding current chairman David Garcia of Pete Garcia Company/Garcia Group. Following his term as chairman, Garcia will continue serving AFE for two additional years as past chairman.
As COO of Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, North Carolina, Van Wingerden oversees production, growing, contract growing and labor for one of the nation’s largest greenhouse operations.
Special Appointment
Ken Young, AAF, S and L Flower Co.
Ken Young will continue serving on the AFE Board of Trustees and Executive Committee through a special appointment focused on fundraising and development. A past AFE chairman, Young has played an important role in advancing the organization’s fundraising efforts and strengthening donor relationships.
In his new role, Young will continue supporting fundraising initiatives and donor outreach to help advance AFE’s mission. His longstanding leadership and commitment have helped strengthen the Endowment’s ability to invest in the future of the floral industry.
Incoming Trustees
Dennis DeBaltzo, A-ROO Co.
Dennis DeBaltzo, president of A-ROO Co., brings more than 30 years of horticulture experience to the AFE Board of Trustees. The second-generation family business specializes in flower and plant packaging, transportation carts and packaging solutions for the floriculture and produce industries throughout North America.
DeBaltzo has remained active in industry organizations, most recently serving on the International Fresh Produce Association’s Floral Committee and supporting the That Flower Feeling initiative. He will serve on AFE’s Public Relations/Development Committee.
Nick Fronduto, Jacobson Floral Supply
Nick Fronduto, chief of business development and industry relations at Jacobson Floral Supply, has more than 50 years of experience spanning both the supermarket and floral industries. Before joining Jacobson Floral Supply 26 years ago, he served as director of store support for Star Markets, where he managed floral hard goods procurement.
Fronduto has held leadership positions with several industry organizations, including serving as president of the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association. He will serve on AFE’s Public Relations/Development and Floral Marketing committees.
Nathan Jahnke, Ph.D., Ball Horticultural Co.
Nathan Jahnke is culture research manager at Ball Horticultural Co., where he leads applied research focused on greenhouse production, propagation, LED lighting, tissue culture acclimation and technical support for commercial growers. He earned degrees in horticulture science from North Dakota State University and North Carolina State University.
Jahnke’s connection with AFE began as an Altman Family Scholarship recipient, and he has remained involved through the Young Professionals Council and scholarship review efforts. He will serve on the Research Committee.
Vonda LaFever, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, Flower Clique
Vonda LaFever brings more than 40 years of experience in floral design, retail floristry, education and industry leadership to the AFE Board of Trustees. During her career, she has owned a retail flower shop, taught floral design at the community college level and served on several industry design teams.
LaFever is co-host of “The Business and Pleasure of Flowers” podcast and founder of Flower Clique, an educational platform for florists. She will serve on the Education Committee and the Floral Marketing Committee, where she will support AFE’s educational and marketing initiatives.
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