I am excited to begin my term in office as your President. It is an extreme honor to serve the American Institute of Floral Designers®. I am humbled beyond words, to be involved with such an amazing group of talented, dedicated and passionate people. The personal goals that we all achieve make us strong individuals, but those victories, both small and large, are also the glue that binds us together as a powerhouse of floral artists.
It has been a pleasure to attend the Annual Regional Members Meetings, just to see everyone is a delight. Extraordinary leadership is evident! The gavel has been passed and our Regional Presidents are:
North East – Darcie Garcia AIFD, CFD
Southern – Aisha Crivens AIFD, CFD
North Central – Pat Scace AIFD, CFD
South Central – Rhonda Lynn-Moeckel AIFD, CFD
North West – Sharrai Morgan-Faulkner AIFD, CFD
South West – Connie Jo Harris AIFD, CFD
Congratulations to all your new Officers and Board Members!
We are like a beautiful flower opening up, once again, to be a spectacular bloom. This is true of your National Committees planning projects. Zoom meetings are here to stay and what we can accomplish through them is great. Your National Committee Chairs are:
Awards – Rachelle Neal AIFD, CFD
Ethical Standards, Bylaws & Nominations – Jackie Lacey AIFD, CFD
Career Development – Julia Schmitt AIFD, CFD
Education – Polly Berginc AIFD, CFD
Education Partners – Bill McKinley AIFD, CFD
Finance – Laura Parker AIFD, CFD
Industry Partners – William Hattel AIFD, CFD
Marketing – Gina Thresher AIFD, CFD
Membership – Damon Samuel AIFD, CFD
Focal Points – Renee Tucci AIFD, CFD
Symposium – Theresa Colucci AIFD, CFD
Student Membership – Lesleighan Cravens AIFD, CFD
Student Competition –Sandi Yoshihara-Sniff AIFD, CFD
Historian – Laurie Lemek AIFD, CFD
Young Professionals – Andrew Stinson AIFD, CFD
The Institutes first ever Floral Summit is happening in Orlando on Friday, October 15, you won’t want to miss it. Your fellow AIFD® designers will demonstrate their talents for a day of Floral Education. Mingle at dinner and connect with new potential members, partners, and friends. Bonnet Creek Hilton Hotel is footsteps from the entrance to Disney and it is our host hotel for 2024 and 2026 Symposiums. Please come and bring a friend, everyone is welcome! Spend the weekend with your AIFD® family. Find more details and register at aifd.org.
SYMPOSIUM 2022 ROOTS is going to happen!!! Together again! Ann Jordan AIFD, CFD, Hitomi Gilliam AIFD, CFD, Ania Norwood AIFD, CFD and Aniko Kovas AIFD, CFD have been working around the clock. Find your Roots in Las Vegas, July 4-9 2022. Let’s all plan on going, you won’t want to miss it! By the way, I am getting a tattoo to celebrate our floral roots stay tuned…
With Bubbling Enthusiasm,
Janet Black AIFD CFD
2021-2022 American Institute of Floral Designers President
