Tommy Bright Award recipient Lynn Lary McLean, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, TMF, (left) has “inspired audiences throughout the world,” said PFCI Chairman Jerome Raska, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, CAFA, MC. Click here to see photos from the Awards Ceremony.

Lynn Lary McLean, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, TMF, was honored for lifetime achievement in floral presentation when PFCI presented her with the Tommy Bright Award during SAF Palm Springs 2011, SAF’s 127th Annual Convention in Palm Springs, Calif.

“Her innovative talents as a speaker and designer have inspired audiences throughout the world,” said PFCI Chairman Jerome Raska, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, CAFA, MC, owner of Blumz…by JRDesigns in Detroit and Ferndale, Mich. “Her warm, professional and articulate style of presentation captivates audiences.”

First presented in 1967, the Tommy Bright Award honors PFCI members of distinction. It is named after Ethel “Tommy” Bright whose motto “Learn More, Teach Others” embraces PFCI’s objectives.

“Lynn is one of those commentators who raises the bar and leaves her audience knowing that she is a role model of a successful person in the world of flowers,” said Tim Farrell, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, owner of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, Pa.

In his letter of nomination for McLean he wrote: “In thinking about Lynn, one phrase seems to come to mind which I feel captures the feeling shared by many people who have experienced her presentations: Class Act. Whether teaching basic design or more advanced techniques, sharing ideas on business tips or visual merchandising, or motivating audience members to become better marketers or more productive workers, Lynn has always approached her work with a most professional attitude.

McLean is the owner of Lary’s Florist, Inc., in Friendswood, Texas, a floral shop serving the Houston area for more than 40 years. While running a successful business, McLean has commentated floral design shows throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. As a Teleflora Education Specialist, McLean taught florists how to design as well as be more successful in shop management, marketing and weddings. She has presented at the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) National Symposium and the SAF Convention. She has represented the floral industry as a spokesperson in TV, radio, newspaper and magazine interviews.

One of the country’s leading floral design professionals, McLean’s work on behalf of the floral industry, corporations and “social register” clients has been widely acknowledged. Her floral talents have won her a place on the design teams for four presidential inaugurations as well as many guest appearances on national television and radio talk shows. Her design work has been published in Flowers&, Florists Review, and Modern Bride magazines, and she has contributed to Teleflora’s Wedding Album.

In addition to contributing her design talent on behalf of the industry, McLean served as president of AIFD from 1995 to 1996 and on its National Board from 1989-1997. In 2001, she was presented the AIFD Award of Distinguished Service and was made a Fellow of AIFD. She also serves as a Trustee to the AIFD Foundation.

At the state level, McLean was president of Texas State Florists’ Association (TSFA) for two years and served as an instructor for its Certification program. In 1992, she received the TSFA’s highest honor, the Achievement Award. She served as president of the Texas Floral Endowment, working to increase awareness of the floral industry there. She is a past president of the Allied Florists of Houston and the 1986 recipient of its Buddy Benz Distinguished Service Award. McLean also held the position of PFCI chairman.

In her community, McLean served on the board of directors for the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Museum.