More than 20 floral professionals from across the U.S. and as far away as Australia have earned professional credentials that demonstrate their commitment to the floral industry.
Fifteen professionals will be inducted into the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF), and six professionals will be inducted into Professional Floral Communicators – International (PFCI) during the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on Sept. 8 at SAF Orlando 2022, the Society of American Florists’ 137th Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida.
American Academy of Floriculture
The AAF designation distinguishes members as life-long industry leaders for their commitment to the floral industry and community involvement.
The 2022 inductees are:
- Jennifer Barnard, Tillie’s Flower Shop, Wichita, Kansas
- Kimberly Brannan, Stems Florist, Florissant, Missouri
- Carol Caggiano, AIFD, PFCI, A. Caggiano, Inc., Jeffersonton, Virginia
- Lani Callister, Ensign Wholesale Floral, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Rodger Callister, Ensign Wholesale Floral, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Rodi Groot, Sun Valley Floral Farms, Oxnard, California
- Adam Havrilla, AIFD, ICPF, PFCI, Artistic Blooms LLC, Chiacago, Illinois
- Sharon Ivey, AIFD, CFD, GMF, PFCI, Forty+ Years of Flowers, Mansfield, Georgia
- Nicole Palazzo, City Line Florist, Trumbull, Connecticut
- Cameron Pappas, Norton’s Florist, Birmingham, Alabama
- Robbyn Rae Repp, Petal to the Metal Flowers, North Bend, Oregon
- Keith Rockcastle, Rockcastle Florist Inc, Rochester, New York
- Liza Roeser, Fiftyflowers.com, Boise, Idaho
- Heather Towne, CFD, Flowers by Jennie Lynne, Fairless Hill, Pennsylvania
- Renee Tucci, AIFD, PFCI, Renee Tucci Creative LLC., Chalfont, Pennsylvania
“Lani and I have been very fortunate to be a part of this wonderful floral industry since we were 21 years old, and to be able to work side-by-side all of the way,” says Rodger Callister who applied for the designation alongside his wife, Lani Callister. “We have been inspired by so many people, both inside and outside of the floral industry to get involved, to work hard, to speak up, and to express our opinions. It has provided us with the good things and beauty of life. The application process gave us an opportunity to reflect on our many years of serving and being a part of many organizations, working together and separately.”
What makes the AAF designation unique is that it recognizes members who have not only committed their time and energy to the floral industry, but also to their local communities.
“For me, a fulfilling life includes a well-rounded approach of pushing myself in my career, and connecting with my community, even if that means bundling the two together,” Renee Tucci, AIFD, PFCI, says. “I’ve worked to join my community in my love of flowers over the years in so many different ways and to be recognized for it with the American Academy of Floriculture not only makes me proud of my accomplishments but makes me want to do it even more!”
Each inductee had to meet an extensive list of eligibility criteria to showcase their community involvement, as well as support from other industry members. The applications are vetted by SAF’s Awards Committee.
“AAF is an honor, recognizing leadership in individuals who contribute to the floral industry and their local communities,” says SAF’s Awards Committee Chairperson, Lori Wheat, AAF. “This year’s class show exemplary performances.”
Professional Floral Communications – International
Professional Floral Communicators – International is the service mark of the floral industry’s finest floral educators.
The 2022 inductees are:
- David Berger, AIFD, CFD, CEJ, David Berger Floral Design, Sydney, Australia
- Ellie LaFever, Flower Clique, Niceville, Florida
- Jacob McCall, AAF, AIFD, CFD, FSMD, Jacob McCall Floral Artistry, Salem, Florida
- Kelly Perry, Team Flower, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
- Lori Wilson, Flower Clique, Niceville, Florida
- Paula Davis, CBA, Blooms & Petals Flowers & Events, Lafayette, Indiana
“Being selected to carry the PFCI designation means that I can meet new professionals, learn, and share what I have learned,” Kelly Perry says. “Generations before mine have left a rich legacy to build on, and I hope to continue building upon it for the generation that will follow.”
Each member of PFCI has proven, through their education and experience, their ability to speak authoritatively about topics pertinent to the floral industry.
“To be recognized among the very best in the floral industry as a commentator and ambassador has been a lifelong dream,” Jacob McCall says. “The PFCI designation is the stamp of approval for stage, screen, and virtual designers!”
On local, regional, national, and international stages, PFCI members have presented educational programs to floral professionals on topics ranging from design and care and handling to floral industry trends and profitability. PFCI applicants are vetted by SAF’s PFCI Board of Trustees for presentation, publication, and leadership experience. Candidates must submit a video of a live presentation to demonstrate their communication skills.
“Andy Warhol once said, ‘Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.’ That’s where the voices of PFCI truly shine,” says SAF’s PFCI Board of Trustees Chairperson, Marlin Hargrove, AAF, AIFD, PFCI. “We transcend the art of flowers to an influential source of education, inspiration, and motivation. For 2022, we honor these new inductees hailing from the homelands of the USA to the international shores of Australia. We celebrate this creative and diverse group of industry professionals, experts in floral, marketing and media communications. Congratulations and welcome as the newest voices to illuminate the beauty we might not see.”
Stephanie Brady is the project manager for the Society of American Florists.