By Lynn Lary McLean AIFD
“How the heck are ya?!” was her exuberant greeting coupled with a beaming smile that brightened your day and made you happy! From stories shared, we have no doubt that Marie Ackerman took the time to truly know you, what meant the most to you, how you spent your day, and what you hoped to accomplish. Countless remembrances have been shared with stories that span decades; some memories shared represent a deep and lasting friendship, others remember a brief conversation during an industry gathering, and others have shared stories of a simple connection during a presentation. Regardless, Marie met each person with focused conversation and encouragement to reach for the stars and shine.
My friendship with Marie dates back to 1985 when she joined American Floral Services in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma as the Director of Education and Special Projects after working as a designer in her home town of Allentown, Pennsylvania for eight years. We shared many design stages over the years, and when I was honored to serve AIFD as President in 1995-1996, I knew who to ask to be Focal Points Editor. At that time Focal Points was printed, and Marie and I had shared goals, both hoping to raise the standard. I knew with her in charge, nothing but the best would come forward.
She managed the AFS Education Center, with additional responsibilities in book and magazine publishing. She oversaw the well-known magazine Professional Floral Designer (PFD). She developed and coordinated the AFS Great American Design Contest from 1989-1993.
AFS merged with Teleflora in 2000. From that time until 2016 Marie served as Vice President of Educational Services. In this position, she managed the Teleflora Education Center, oversaw copy editing for two monthly publications, and developed containers for retail florists.
She was well known throughout the industry as a creative leader with deep experience, providing valuable tools to retail florists through vast educational offerings, numerous publications, and inspiring presentations.
She was a leader within AIFD, her passion evident in each role she played. She served as President of the South Central Regional Chapter. She made her mark on Focal Points, bringing the printed publication to the forefront of the industry. AIFD recognized Marie’s lifetime of achievement in 2003 presenting her with the Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry. Her Main Stage AIFD Symposium presentation is still referenced today. She was selected to coordinate the AIFD Symposium in Denver in 2015, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of AIFD.
Marie was a member of the American Academy of Floriculture. Her membership and participation in Professional Floral Communicators – International led to the development of a commentary class that provided the fundamentals for presenters to excel in developing stage presence and well-defined programs. PFCI recognized her excellence in commentary and awarded her the Tommy Bright Award in 2002.
Marie was a woman of strong faith. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and making handmade Christmas cards. Her genuine love of family and friends, her sense of humor, and her exuberance will forever be remembered.
It is easy to see why the South Central Chapter Board of Directors offered the initial contribution to establish the Marie Ackerman AIFD Fund within the AIFD Foundation.
A former Trustee of the AIFD Foundation, Marie was instrumental at a time when fundraising efforts leaped forward and strengthened the AIFD Foundation with the campaign “March to a Million”.
