The late Paul Leonard Daum’s work with the U.S. Agency for International Development led to year-round flower availability and the creation of thousands of floriculture jobs across many countries.
Domestically, his influence is seen in South Florida, a thriving hub for flower imports at Miami International Airport. For his contributions, Daum was posthumously inducted into what many consider to be the industry’s highest honor, the Floriculture Hall of Fame, during the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on August 8, 2024.
His son, Steve Daum, accepted the award, recalling a moment on the Miami International Airport tarmac with his father, who was amazed by the industry’s growth. His father remarked that it felt like “just yesterday” that he received a call from the USAID to see if he’d go to Latin America to help stem the spread of communism. “ is a huge honor for my family.”
Click here to read more about Daum and the Floriculture Hall of Fame.
The awards ceremony also honored others for their service, innovation and dedication to the industry. (See more pictures of the awards celebration here.)
Paul Ecke Jr. Award
Tim Farrell, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, a celebrated designer and industry leader, received the Paul Ecke Jr. Award for his dedication to the floral profession, industry and community.
Farrell, who founded Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania while studying accounting, became known for his generosity, donating countless floral arrangements to charities and surprising frontline workers with bouquets.
His contributions to the Philadelphia Flower Show and prestigious events like the 2001 presidential inaugural ball and Pope Francis’s 2015 U.S. visit, have solidified his reputation.
A member of the American Institute of Floral Designers since 2000, Farrell has served as national treasurer, secretary, vice president, and president. He is an industry advocate at the federal level — lobbying legislators at SAF’s Congressional Action Days — and locally— speaking to garden clubs, horticultural societies, and other groups.
In his acceptance speech, Farrell thanked his wife for her support, and his industry partners who encouraged him to make a difference beyond his shop’s walls. “This ceremony speaks to the immense opportunities in our industry,” he said. “If someone invites you to step up, take on responsibility, do a new job, just say ‘yes.’ The person asking you knows about that job and has the confidence in you to do it.”
Click here to read more about Farrell and the Paul Ecke Jr. Award.
President’s Award
Ian Prosser, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, a titan in floral design and a dedicated volunteer of SAF’s annual convention design team, received the President’s Award, which honors outstanding dedication to the floral industry. SAF President and Chairperson Oscar Fernandez bestowed the award in recognition of the 20 years Prosser volunteered his time and countless hours as the chair of the convention design team.
Founder of Botanical International Design Studio in Tampa, Florida, Prosser has impressed royals, U.S. presidents, celebrities, and SAF convention attendees alike. He has been a key figure in convention design work, involving extensive flower processing, arranging, and event setups.
In his acceptance speech, Prosser joked about experiencing his first non-working convention in 21 years. “You’re my family,” he said. “We have old friends; we’ve made new friends. That’s what this industry is all about.” He added that he’s received so much, and it’s been an honor to pay it back.
Click here to read more about Prosser and the President’s Award.
Next Gen Rising Star Award
Jenny Thomasson, AAF, AIFD, EMC, PFCI, of Jenny T Floristry, received the Next Gen Rising Star Award, which celebrates forward-thinking young professionals who demonstrate creativity, innovation, tenacity and leadership in their work and the potential to make a positive impact on the floral industry.
Thomasson, who discovered her passion for floristry while working part-time in college, later opened Stems Florist in St. Louis, Missouri. Her love for design drew her to the competition circuit, where she earned many laurels. She is also an instructor and an industry advocate in many floral organizations. In addition, Thomasson developed and sells products for Meraki Floral Tools.
“Floristry has changed my life,” Thomasson said in her acceptance speech. “I am so grateful to walk this path and to meet all of you people. I look forward to many, many more years because there’s nothing else that I’m going to do with the rest of my life.”
Click here to read more about Thomasson and the Next Gen Rising Star Award.
Alex Laurie Award for Research and Education
Paul R. Fisher, Ph.D., received the Alex Laurie Award for his significant contributions to horticulture research and education.
A professor at the University of Florida, Fisher is an internationally renowned researcher and consultant focused on sustainable practices in floriculture. His work has helped establish organizations for floriculture research, including The Floriculture Research Alliance.
“This is the greatest honor of my career tonight. It’s really meaningful to me because it comes from this floral community,” Fisher said in his acceptance speech.
Click here to read more about Fisher and the Alex Laurie Award.
Tommy Bright Award
Leanne Kesler, AAF, AIFD, FDI, PFCI, education director of Floral Design Institute (FDI), received the Tommy Bright Award for lifetime achievement in floral education.
Kesler’s passion for floral design began in high school and has since evolved into a career dedicated to teaching and expanding FDI’s influence. She and her husband, David, have helped thousands of floral designers improve their skills and achieve industry certifications.
“I think about how I became a teacher because I needed to moonlight for extra money. Then I found out it really is my passion,” Kesler said in her acceptance speech. “What an honor and a privilege to be part of so many people’s lives.”
Click here to read more about Kesler and the Tommy Bright Award.
Katie Vincent is the senior contributing editor for the Society of American Florists.