More than a dozen floral professionals have earned their letters, signifying their professionalism and commitment to the industry.
Seven professionals will be inducted into the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) American Academy of Floriculture (AAF), and eight professionals will be inducted into Professional Floral Communicators – International (PFCI) during the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner at SAF Miami 2024, SAF’s 139th annual convention Aug. 6-9. One professional, Ralph Giordano, AIFD, FSMD, of Giordano’s Floral Creations in Fort Pierce, Florida, will receive both designations.
“I am proud to share the stage with these inductees as they are recognized and celebrated by their peers for their industry leadership and community involvement,” says Traci A. Dooley, AAF, chairperson of this year’s SAF Awards Committee. “It’s also great to see that they come from all areas of the country and represent different segments of our industry.”
American Academy of Floriculture
The AAF designation recognizes floral professionals who have shown a profound commitment to both industry and community. This year’s inductees have volunteered their services through various organizations including religious, youth, crisis relief and animal protective services.
“I am honored to receive the AAF designation. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of my team and the unwavering support from the floral community,” says Ryan Black of Jet Fresh Flower Distributors in Miami and a 2024 AAF inductee. “Being acknowledged is incredibly humbling and motivates me to continue my commitment to the floral industry and community service. I am grateful to my peers for their endorsement and look forward to further contributing to our industry’s growth and innovation.”
The 2024 inductees are:
Ryan Black, Jet Fresh Flower Distributors, Miami
Rodney “Rod” Crittenden, Great Lakes Floral Association, Haslett, Michigan
Ralph Giordano, AIFD, FSMD, Giordano’s Floral Creations, Fort Pierce, Florida
Christine Guenther, WildFlower Stem + Sundry, Glen Burnie, Maryland
Wendy Jones-Rockcastle, Rockcastle Florist, Rochester, New York
Bridget B. Joslin, AIFD, AMF, Bridget’s on the Square, Magnolia, Arkansas
Abel Gonzalez Mencio, AIFD, PFCI, TMF, Casa Granada Floral, La Feria, Texas
Inductees had to submit evidence of their community service along with two letters of recommendation from existing AAF members. Inductees also had to meet criteria proving their commitment to the industry, such as membership and leadership roles within local, regional, state, or national floral organizations. SAF’s Awards Committee reviews applications and selects inductees who meet the rigorous standards.
Professional Floral Communicators – International
Professional Floral Communicators – International is a network of professional floral business educators who have proven their ability to speak authoritatively about the industry. They are highly sought after as speakers and educators for their expertise on topics including principles and elements of floral design, emerging trends, and profitability.
“I am really grateful for the opportunity and look forward to contributing to PFCI,” says Teia Bennett, AIFD, TMF, of Blumen-Meisters Flower Market in New Braunfels, Texas and a 2024 PFCI inductee. She credits fellow inductee, Cheryl Vaughan, CFD, TMFA, of Creative Petal Designs in Leander, Texas, with encouraging her to step outside her comfort zone and apply for this prestigious designation. “I feel like PFCI is more than a title; it’s a commitment. I really look forward to inspiring others within our floral community. It is something I really strive to do myself.”
The 2024 inductees are:
Teia Bennett, AIFD, TMF, Blumen-Meisters Flower Market, New Braunfels, Texas
Sarah Ekberg, AIFD, Lazy Acres Décor & Floral, Wakefield, Nebraska
Ralph Giordano, AIFD, FSMD, Giordano’s Floral Creations, Fort Pierce, Florida
Benjamin Lee, AIFD, KMF, Benjamin’s Flowers and Gifts, Frankfort, Kentucky
Lottie McKinnon, Teleflora, Los Angeles
Andreia “Andie” Muller, AIFD, FSMD, The Flower Studio Oxford, Oxford, Florida
Amy C. Neugebauer, A. Neuge Design, AIFD, TMFA, Conroe, Texas
Cheryl Vaughan, TMFA, Creative Petal Designs, Leander, Texas
Inductees had to submit proof of their work, including video of a live program presentation, and three letters of recommendation from existing PFCI members or show sponsors. PFCI’s Board of Trustees reviews applications and selects inductees who meet the rigorous standards.
Laurie Herrera is a contributing writer for the Society of American Florists.