American Floral Endowment announces new leadership and results of record-breaking R.I.S.E. campaign

The American Floral Endowment announced new leadership and board appointments, as well as the results of its record-breaking 2026 R.I.S.E. Campaign.

The appointments of the incoming chair, new Board of Trustees members and leaders are all effective Sept. 1, 2026.

"These accomplished industry leaders bring valuable expertise, fresh perspectives and a strong commitment to supporting the future of floriculture," AFE said in a news release. "Their involvement will help guide AFE’s strategic direction and enhance the impact of our funding and programs across all segments of the industry.

"AFE trustees generously volunteer their time and expertise, actively participating in all AFE meetings and events, covering their own travel expenses," AFE continued. "We look forward to the leadership and insight these new trustees will bring and extend our sincere thanks to the outgoing trustees for their dedicated service."

New American Floral Endowment chair: Art Van Wingerden

Art Van Wingerden, COO of Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, North Carolina, will begin his two-year term as chair in September 2026, succeeding current Chair David Garcia of Pete Garcia Company/Garcia Group. 

Founded in 1972 and family-run, Metrolina grows and ships more than 70 million plants annually to more than 1,400 retail locations across 19 states, including Lowe’s, The Home Depot and Walmart. Van Wingerden oversees production, growing, contract growing and labor.

Following his term as chair, Garcia will continue his service to the organization for an additional two years as past chair.

Special American Floral Endowment board fundraising appointment 

Ken Young of S and L Flower Company will continue serving on the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee through a special appointment focused on fundraising and development.

A past board chair and longtime AFE supporter, Young has helped advance AFE’s fundraising efforts and strengthening relationships with donors. Through this appointment, he will continue to support fundraising initiatives and donor outreach to advance AFE’s mission.

Incoming American Floral Endowment trustees

Dennis DeBaltzo is president of A-ROO Company, a second-generation, family-owned packaging company based in Strongsville, Ohio, specializing in flower and plant packaging, transportation carts and packaging solutions for the floriculture and produce industries across North America.

With more than 30 years of experience in horticulture, DeBaltzo brings a passion for the industry and a commitment to connecting growers with retail outlets.

Under his leadership, A-ROO has continued to grow while maintaining a focus on quality, service and product availability. The company operates an Ohio manufacturing facility while also utilizing production capabilities in Asia, Europe and South America.

A graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a degree in marketing and management, DeBaltzo has remained actively involved in industry organizations throughout his career. Most recently, he served on the International Fresh Produce Association's Floral Committee and continues to advocate for That Flower Feeling, supporting efforts to promote the growth and value of horticulture across the industry.

DeBaltzo will serve on the Public Relations/Development Committee.

Nicholas (Nick) Fronduto is chief of business development and industry relations for Jacobson Floral Supply, based in Boston, Massachusetts, and has been with the company for 26 years.

Prior to joining Jacobson, Fronduto spent 25 years in the supermarket industry, including as director of store support for Star Markets, a 52-store, $1-billion chain based in Boston. During his time with Star Markets, he was responsible for the procurement of floral hard goods for the chain.

Fronduto has remained actively involved in industry organizations throughout his career. He served on the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association Board for seven years, including a term as president, and has held positions with the Society of American Florists Wholesale Council and Board of Directors. He has also volunteered as a speaker at fundraising events benefiting The Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Fronduto will serve on the PR/Development and Floral Marketing committees.

Nathan Jahnke is a culture research manager at Ball Horticultural Company, where he leads applied research focused on greenhouse production challenges and advancing growing techniques for the floriculture industry. His work includes propagation efficiency, LED lighting strategies, tissue culture acclimation and supporting growers through Ball Seed’s Technical Services Team.

Jahnke earned his B.S. in horticulture science from North Dakota State University and his Ph.D. in horticultural science from North Carolina State University, where his research focused on postharvest handling of floriculture crops.

Jahnke connection with AFE began as a recipient of the Altman Family Scholarship, and he has continued his involvement through the Young Professionals Council and as a scholarship reviewer.

Jahnke will serve on the Research Committee.

Vonda LaFever joins the AFE board with more than 40 years of experience in floral design, retail operations, education and industry leadership. She has owned and operated a retail flower shop, taught floral design at the community college level and served as a member of several industry design teams.

She is passionate about mentoring and supporting floral professionals nationwide. LaFever is co-host of The Business and Pleasure of Flowers podcast and founder of Flower Clique, a platform designed to help florists simplify and elevate their businesses.

LaFever will serve on the Education and Floral Marketing committees.

Outgoing American Floral Endowment officers and trustees

Completing their term on the board this year are Gustavo Gilchrist of Kennicott Brothers Company and Ockert Greyvenstein of Ball Horticultural Company.

AFE recognized and thanked them for their leadership, time and dedication.

Gilchrist joined the board in 2019, bringing his expertise in organizational structure, workforce culture, mergers and acquisitions, and employee stock ownership plans. He served on the Public Relations/Development and Floral Marketing Fund committees, contributing his industry knowledge and wholesale perspective to the work of each committee.

He continues to serve on the Sustainabloom Committee and as an ambassador of this program for wholesalers and the industry. Kennicott is a founding partner of Sustainabloom.

Greyvenstein joined the board in 2024, bringing his extensive expertise in plant breeding, genetics and applied research.

Originally from South Africa, Greyvenstein joined Ball Horticultural Company in 2014 as a plant breeder with PanAmerican Seed. He served on AFE’s Research Committee, providing insight from his background in plant science and breeding to support AFE’s ongoing investment in floriculture research.

A complete list of the AFE Board of Trustees can be found here. 

Results of American Floral Endowment's record-breaking 2026 R.I.S.E. to Support campaign

More than 130 donors contributed more than $150,000 to AFE's 2026 R.I.S.E. to Support campaign, surpassing the campaign’s $120,000 goal and making it the most successful R.I.S.E. to Support campaign in its history.

Held annually by the AFE, R.I.S.E. to Support unites individuals and businesses from across the floral industry in support of research, internships, scholarships and education.

This year’s campaign came as AFE is celebrating its 65th anniversary.

"The record-breaking level of participation reflects the industry’s shared commitment to supporting students, advancing research, expanding educational opportunities and preparing the next generation of floral leaders," AFE said in a news release. "From growers and retailers to wholesalers, suppliers, growers and allied partners, the campaign demonstrates what can be accomplished when the industry works together toward a common goal."

"This year’s campaign reflects the power of industry involvement,” added AFE Chair David Garcia of Pete Garcia Company/Garcia Group. “The record level of participation shows that our industry understands the importance of investing in what comes next. Every donor became part of something much bigger than a fundraising campaign."

The support generated through R.I.S.E. allows for increased annual funding to meet the evolving needs of the floral industry. AFE’s 2026 funding impacts the industry through providing more than 30 students with scholarships and internships, funding research projects at universities across the country, and supporting educational programs and industry events through grants.

AFE thanked all donors, sponsors, volunteers, trustees and advocates who helped make the campaign possible.