Horticultural Research Institute announces 2026 board leadership and trustee appointments

The Horticultural Research Institute, the research affiliate of AmericanHort, has announced its 2026 Board of Trustees leadership and governance updates, including new officers, term renewals and the appointment of a new board member.

HRI’s Board of Trustees provides strategic direction and oversight for the organization’s national efforts to advance horticultural research, strengthen the connection between research outcomes and industry use, and invest in the future of the green industry through education, scholarships and leadership development.

HRI announced the following officer transitions effective January 2026:

• Mark Yelanich (Metrolina Greenhouses) will serve as 2026 president.
• Ed Tankard (Tankard Nurseries) will serve as 2026 president-elect.
• Jonathan Berry (J. Berry Nursery) will assume the role of immediate past president.

Ryan Overdevest (Overdevest Nurseries) has joined the Executive Committee to serve with Treasurer Dan Batson (GreenForest Nursery), Jim Eason (Eason Horticultural Resources), Development Committee Chair Harvey Cotten (horticultural consultant and author), and John Rausch (Star Roses & Plants).

HRI extended appreciation to Jonathan Berry for his service and leadership as 2025 board president, helping guide HRI’s continued focus on industry relevance, research impact and long-term stewardship.

HRI also welcomed Matt Foertmeyer (Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse), who will begin a three-year term representing Region II.

Foertmeyer is a second-generation greenhouse grower and owner currently serving as head grower for Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse, the company his parents founded in 1988. He is the greenhouse community connector coordinator for AmericanHort and a routine volunteer with The Ohio State University’s Department of Horticulture & Crop Science.

A graduate of the inaugural class of the HRI Leadership Academy, Foertmeyer is also a frequent speaker and moderator at industry conferences.

HRI also recognized the trustees appointed to second three-year terms:

• Shane Brockshus (Bailey Nurseries)
• Mike Hiller (KCK Farms)
• Matt Sawyer (Bennett’s Creek Nursery)
• Simon Traskey (Star Roses & Plants)
• Lloyd Traven (Peace Tree Farm)

HRI additionally acknowledged the continued service of current trustees who will remain on the board in 2026:

• Jonathan Jasinski (Microplant Nurseries)
• Peter Mezitt (Weston Nurseries)
• Amy Morris (N.G. Heimos Greenhouses)
• Denise Mullins (Smith Gardens)
• Ben Rough (J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.)
• Bennett Saunders (Saunders Brothers)
• Steve Taber (Southwest Wholesale Nursery)
• Maria Zampini (UpShoot LLC)

HRI extended its appreciation to Leigh Geschwill (F and B Farms and Nursery) and Ed Bemis (Bemis Farms Nursery) as they conclude their service on the Board of Trustees effective January 2026.

Bemis has completed two six-year terms on the board, and Geschwill has completed multiple terms of service, including her leadership as HRI president.

“Leigh has been a remarkable leader for HRI and a steadfast champion for research that strengthens the horticulture industry,” said HRI Administrator Jennifer Gray. “Her leadership helped reinforce a culture of stewardship and accountability, and her influence is reflected in HRI’s continued focus on connecting research investment to practical, actionable outcomes for growers and businesses. We are deeply grateful for her service.

“During Ed’s service on the Board of Trustees, he brought thoughtful guidance and a steady industry perspective — especially elevating the needs and viewpoints of garden retailers,” Gray continued. “His commitment to HRI’s mission and to ensuring our work stays grounded in real-world industry priorities has made a lasting difference.”