The Society of American Florists in early August welcomed new volunteer leaders to its board of directors and councils, following elections held in July. The announcements were made during SAF’s 140th annual convention, SAF Phoenix 2025, where several leadership transitions also took place.
“Volunteer leaders play a vital role in guiding every part of SAF’s work — from advocacy and education to content and events,” says SAF CEO Kate Penn. “Their leadership ensures that all segments of the floral industry are represented and supported.”
New Board Members
Three industry professionals were elected by their peers to join SAF’s board of directors.
Cameron Pappas, AAF, Norton’s Florist, Birmingham, Alabama
A CPA-turned-florist, Pappas blends financial strategy with floral creativity. He has held multiple leadership roles with SAF and helped lead Norton’s through a new phase of growth.
Evan Mickelsen, FloraLink, Mesa, Arizona
Mickelsen brings more than 30 years of industry experience and founded FloraLink to focus on quality, service and global sourcing. He previously served on SAF’s Wholesale Council from 2022 to 2024.
Frank Arnosky, Texas Specialty Cut Flowers, Wimberley, Texas
A longtime advocate for American flower farms, Arnosky co-owns a destination flower farm focused on agritourism, education and local sales. He has served in numerous national leadership roles, including president of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers.
Each will serve a three-year term beginning November 2025.
New Council Members
Nine industry professionals were also elected to serve on SAF’s Retailers, Wholesalers and Growers Councils.
Retailer Council
Ellie LaFever, PFCI, Flower Clique, Niceville, Florida
Tricia Upshaw, AIFD, AMF, Shirley’s Flowers, Rogers, Arkansas
Monty Pereira, AAF, Watanabe Floral, Honolulu, Hawaii
Wholesaler Council
Lisa Nason, Kennicott Brothers, Chicago, Illinois
Lauren Howkins, Continental Farms, Doral, Florida
Gary Staton, Bill Doran Company, Rockford, Illinois
Grower Council
Yerandy Palenzuela, Continental Floral Greens, Miami, Florida
Jennifer Biddle, Tradewinds International / Francis Biddle International, Monterey, California
Marcus Bustamante, Tessa Corporation, Quito, Ecuador
Council members will serve three-year terms beginning in 2026.
Learn more about the new board and council members here.
Leadership Transitions
At SAF’s annual business meeting, held in conjunction with its 140th annual convention Aug. 11-14 in Scottsdale, Arizona, Lori Wheat, AAF, PFCI, of Lafayette Florist in Erie, Colorado, was installed as SAF president. Wheat succeeds Oscar Fernandez of Equiflor, who became immediate past president. Austin Bryant, of Heart of Florida Greenhouses in Zolfo Springs, Florida, was announced as president-elect.
In her remarks, Wheat reflected on the perspective she brings from other segments of the floral supply chain as the daughter of a carnation grower and a former member of Denver Wholesale Florists’ Board of Directors.
“I like to think I carry a little bit of DNA from the different segments of our industry,” she said. “I hope to continue the work of my predecessors and to advocate for all segments of our industry.”
Want to learn more about how to get involved with SAF? Click here.
Amanda Jedlinsky is the senior director of content and communications.
