AHS - Press Releases March 4, 2008

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American Horticultural Society Press Releases

American Horticultural Society
at George Washington’s River Farm
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA 22308-1300
Tel: 703-768-5700
Fax: 703-768-8700
Website: http://www.ahs.org

American Horticultural Society Names
Tom Underwood New Executive Director

Alexandria, VA - March 4, 2008

The American Horticultural Society’s Board of Directors has selected Tom Underwood as the Society’s Executive Director. This newly created position will become the top staff position in the organization, replacing the office of president, which was vacated when Deane Hundley resigned as AHS President and Chief Executive Officer in early January. Underwood, who has been with the AHS for five years, was promoted from his former position as Director of Member Programs and Chief Operating Officer.

“Based on Tom’s experience at the AHS and connections within the American horticultural community, the Board feels that he is the right person to lead this organization at this point in time,” says Susie Usrey, chair of the AHS Board. “And by repositioning the top leadership role to an executive director we are shifting to a model that has served the Society well for most of the last three decades and is typical of many similar nonprofits today.”

Underwood brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience in the horticulture industry to the position. Prior to joining AHS, he worked for 20 years with the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. At Disney, he was involved with producing the annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, coordinated horticultural training and internships, developed gardening programs and seminars, and managed behind-the-scenes nurseries and greenhouses for the resort. He has a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a master’s degree in science education from the University of Central Florida.

“I am tremendously honored to have been selected by our AHS Board to lead the organization at this important time in the Society’s history,” says Underwood. “We have a talented and dedicated staff, an enthusiastic and committed Board, and strong support from our members. I expect the coming years to be full of collaboration, synergy, and excitement as we continue to move the organization forward.”

Note to editors: Images of Tom Underwood available upon request. Contact Viveka Neveln at 703-768-5700 ext. 120 or vneveln@ahs.org.

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The American Horticultural Society (AHS), founded in 1922, is an educational, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that recognizes and promotes excellence in American horticulture. One of the oldest and most prestigious gardening organizations, AHS is dedicated to making America a nation of gardeners, a land of gardens. Its mission is to open the eyes of all Americans to the vital connection between people and plants, to inspire all Americans to become responsible caretakers of the Earth, to celebrate America’s diversity through the art and science of horticulture; and to lead this effort by sharing the Society’s unique national resources with all Americans.

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