Shaping What Comes Next: Leaders on the AmericanHort Board Make a Difference

COLUMBUS, OH – (January 19, 2026) Eligible AmericanHort members are invited to submit applications or nominate an industry leader for the Board of Directors. Applications will be accepted between now and February 13, 2026. Nominations can be completed online at AmericanHort.org/BoardApply, with elections scheduled to take place in March.

Strong leadership is essential to the growth and success of the horticulture industry. The AmericanHort Board of Directors sets the direction for the association, ensuring our programs and advocacy efforts benefit green businesses.

“We welcome the opportunity for accomplished leaders to be part of the AmericanHort Board of Directors,” said Ken Fisher, President and CEO for AmericanHort. “Members who are elected, play a key role in driving progress and shaping what’s next for AmericanHort and the industry.”

Ideal candidates demonstrate strong strategic thinking skills, a governance mindset, as well as commitment and time to support both the association and green industry.

Once the board evaluates the nominations submitted and determines the final slate of nominees, AmericanHort members vote to approve the new directors and officers during the voting period beginning in March.

AmericanHort will officially install newly elected directors and officers at Cultivate’26, in Columbus, OH.

Nominating Committee

The nominating committee is led by Immediate Past Chair, Ed Overdevest, Overdevest Nurseries LP, NJ, and includes:

• Board Chair, Kent Fullmer, Fullmer’s Landscaping, Inc.
• Board Vice Chair, Derek Clark, South Central Growers
• Board Treasurer, J. Harvey Cotton Jr. Horticultural Consultant and Author

Current Board Directors

Newly elected board of directors will join the current AmericanHort current board members, who include:

• Joe Allio, Petitti Family Farms
• Ken Altman, Altman Specialty Plants
• Patricia Dean, Wadsworth Control Systems
• Tom Fessler, Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas, Inc.
• Christine Forman, Berridge Nurseries, Inc.
• Brian Lloyd, Olson’s Greenhouse
• Emily Showalter, Willoway Nurseries
• Scott Valentine, Express Seed Company
• Bradd Yoder, Star Roses and Plants

For nomination inquiries, please contact Immediate Past Chair of the Board Ed Overdevest. Have any other questions? Contact AmericanHort at 614-487-1117, or via email at [email protected].