American Floral Endowment announces board leadership changes effective Sept. 1

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) announced its incoming chairman, new Board of Trustees members and leadership appointments effective Sept. 1, 2026, with Art Van Wingerden of Metrolina Greenhouses beginning a two-year term as chairman.

Van Wingerden succeeds David Garcia of Pete Garcia Company/Garcia Group, who will remain involved with the organization for two years as past chairman. Van Wingerden serves as chief operating officer of Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, North Carolina, where he oversees production, growing, contract growing and labor for one of the nation’s largest greenhouse operations.

AFE also announced that Ken Young, AAF, 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.

Four new trustees will join the board. Dennis DeBaltzo, president of A-ROO Company, will serve on the Public Relations/Development Committee. Nick Fronduto, chief of business development and industry relations at Jacobson Floral Supply, will serve on the Public Relations/Development and Floral Marketing committees. Nathan Jahnke, culture research manager at Ball Horticultural Co., will serve on the Research Committee. Vonda LaFever, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, of Flower Clique will serve on the Education and Floral Marketing committees.

AFE also recognized outgoing trustees Gustavo Gilchrist of Kennicott Brothers Company and Dr. Ockert Greyvenstein of Ball Horticultural Co., who completed their board terms.

“Their involvement will help guide AFE’s strategic direction and enhance the impact of our funding and programs across all segments of the industry,” the organization said.

AFE said its trustees volunteer their time and cover their own travel expenses while supporting the organization’s research, internships, scholarships and educational initiatives.