Congratulations, thank you, and welcome to our incoming Chairman, new Board of Trustees members, and leaders effective September 1, 2026. These accomplished industry leaders bring valuable expertise, fresh perspectives, and a strong commitment to supporting the future of floriculture. 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. 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.

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Incoming Chairman and Special Appointment

Art Van Wingerden
Metrolina Greenhouses, Inc.

Art will begin his two-year term as Chairman in September 2026, succeeding current Chairman David Garcia of Pete Garcia Company/Garcia Group. 

As COO of Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, North Carolina, Art helps guide one of the largest and most innovative greenhouse operations in the country. Founded in 1972 and family-run, Metrolina grows and ships more than 70 million plants annually to over 1,400 retail locations across 19 states, including Lowe’s, The Home Depot, and Walmart. Art oversees production, growing, contract growing, and labor, bringing a lifetime of hands-on experience and business perspective to the company.

Following his term as Chairman, David Garcia will continue his service to the organization for an additional two years as Past Chairman.

Ken Young AAF
S and L Flower Company

Ken Young will continue serving on our Board of Trustees and Executive Committee through a special appointment focused on fundraising and development.

A past Board Chairman and longtime supporter of the Endowment, Ken has played a key role in advancing 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 Trustees

Dennis DeBaltzo
A-ROO Company

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 innovative packaging solutions for the floriculture and produce industries across North America. With more than 30 years of experience in horticulture, Dennis 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 proudly maintains its American-made heritage through its Ohio manufacturing facility while also utilizing production capabilities in Asia, Europe, and South America to provide a diverse global product portfolio.

A graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a degree in Marketing and Management, Dennis has remained actively involved in industry organizations throughout his career. Most recently, he served on IFPA’s Floral Committee and continues to advocate for That Flower Feeling, supporting efforts to promote the growth and value of horticulture across the industry.

Dennis will serve on the Public Relations/Development Committee.

Nick Fronduto
Jacobson Floral Supply, Inc.

Nicholas (Nick) Fronduto is Chief of Business Development and Industry Relations for Jacobson Floral Supply, Inc., based in Boston, Massachusetts, and has been with the company for 26 years. Prior to joining Jacobson, Nick spent 25 years in the supermarket industry, including serving as Director of Store Support for Star Markets, a 52-store, $1 billion chain based in Boston. During his time with Star Markets, Nick was responsible for the procurement of floral hard goods for the chain.

Nick 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 Florist 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.

Nick will serve on the PR/Development and Floral Marketing Committees.

Nathan Jahnke
Ball Horticulture Company

Dr. 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.

Nathan 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.

Nathan’s 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.

Nathan will serve on the Research Committee.

Vonda LaFever
Flower Clique

Vonda LaFever, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, joins the AFE Board bringing over 40 years of experience in floral design, retail operations, education, and industry leadership. She has successfully 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. Vonda 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.

Vonda will serve on the Education Committee and the Floral Marketing Committee.

Outgoing 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 recognizes and thanks these Trustees for their leadership, time, and dedication.

Gustavo Gilchrist
Kennicott Brothers Company

Gustavo Gilchrist joined the Board in 2019, bringing his expertise in organizational structure, workforce culture, mergers and acquisitions, and employee stock ownership plans. Gustavo 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.

Dr. Ockert Greyvenstein
Ball Horticultural Company

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

Originally from South Africa, Dr. Greyvenstein joined Ball Horticultural Company in 2014 as a plant breeder with PanAmerican Seed. Dr. Greyvenstein 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.

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We are incredibly appreciative of the commitment of the outgoing Trustees and look forward to working with the new Trustees as the Endowment continues to provide funding to support research, internships, scholarships, and education for all.

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