David Savoia To Serve As AmericanHort’s Interim President And CEO

Following Michael Geary’s announcement that he has resigned as president and CEO of AmericanHort, the association has announced that CFO and Senior Vice President for Operations David Savoia will serve as interim president and CEO while the board conducts a search for a new staff executive. Craig Regelbrugge, the senior vice president for advocacy and research, will support Savoia with the association’s external affairs.

Geary announced August 12  that he will be leaving his position after September 30 to serve as CEO of the Society for Marketing Professional Services, an organization dedicated to creating business opportunities in the architecture, engineering and construction industries.

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“As some of you know, I grew up connected to the horticulture industry so this was not an easy decision for me,” Geary said in an eMail. “I have loved working with our organizations and our talented members, staff and partners. However, my choice to return full time to Washington, D.C. will allow me to be closer to my family and aging parents, and to re-engage with another industry I also care deeply about.”

Geary will begin his new position on October 8.

“We are thankful for Michael’s leadership for more than five years as the association has undergone a successful transformation,” says Dale Deppe, AmericanHort chairman of the board. “We wish him the best in the next phase of his career. AmericanHort will continue its strategic focus on helping our members grow their businesses, and promoting the value of our industry’s products and services. Our volunteer leaders and staff team are working together to continue our momentum during this transition.”

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During his tenure, Geary served as the staff executive for AmericanHort, America in Bloom (AIB), the former American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA), the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the Nursery & Landscape Association Executives (NLAE), the former OFA—The Association of Horticulture Professionals and the Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association (OPGMA). He led the consolidation of ANLA and OFA, the merger with the Plantscape Institute of America (PIA), directed the expansion of the Cultivate convention and exposition, and oversaw the development of the “Grow Wise. Bee Smart” and “Shift” initiatives, among other achievements.

A search committee is being formed, and AmericanHort will release more details as they are confirmed.

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