Art Van Wingerden appointed chair-elect of American Floral Endowment

The American Floral Endowment’s Board of Trustees has appointed Art Van Wingerden, COO of Metrolina Greenhouses, as AFE’s chair-elect.

Van Wingerden will begin his two-year term as chair in September 2026, succeeding current Chair David Garcia of Pete Garcia Company/Garcia Group. Garcia will continue his service to the organization for an additional two years as past chair.

Van Wingerden's appointment comes during a milestone year, as AFE celebrates its 65th anniversary.

Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, North Carolina, was founded in 1972 and is family-run. It grows and ships more than 70 million plants annually to over 1,400 retail locations across 19 states, including Lowe’s The Home Depot, and Walmart. Van Wingerden oversees production, growing, contract growing and labor.

The company supports numerous horticulture and floral organizations through service on boards, committees and other industry initiatives.

Van Wingerden joined the AFE Board of Trustees in 2018 and has served on the Research Committee and the Executive Committee.

Under his involvement, Metrolina has remained a supporter of AFE’s efforts, including participation as an annual partner of Sustainabloom, which provides research-driven sustainability education and resources for the industry.

“I’m honored to partner with AFE’s dedicated Board of Trustees, respected industry leaders, and staff as we continue advancing our mission, expanding our programs and increasing the funding that fuels innovation and progress,” Van Wingerden said. “The research, education and scholarships supported by AFE donors make a meaningful difference for businesses of every size, and I look forward to helping strengthen that work in the years ahead.”

“Art is a great example of an industry professional who understands the importance of giving back,” Garcia said. “He brings not only deep business experience, but also a genuine willingness and passion to share information for the good of the entire floral industry. That collaborative mindset is exactly what AFE represents.”

AFE’s Board of Trustees is composed of professionals representing all segments of the floral industry: growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers and allied partners. Trustees volunteer their time and attend AFE meetings and events at their own expense.

“As AFE looks ahead to its next chapter, Art’s thoughtful approach, industry experience and dedication to AFE’s mission will help ensure the endowment’s impact continues to grow,” AFE said in a news release.