OFA appoints new CEO

Michael Geary, exec. director of the American Institute of Architecture Students, has accepted the position of CEO of OFA, an Association of Horticulture Professionals. Geary will assume the new position on March 1.
Geary has 18 years of experience in association management and organizational development. Chastain called Geary the heart of AIAS, who “directed the organization through 7 years of financial and membership growth, organizational stabilization, improved communication and transparency and professional management”.  During his tenure with AIAS, Geary initiated the award-winning Freedom by Design community service program, launched the Beyond Architecture capital campaign that secured $1.1 million for the organization and assisted in enhancing the brand and image of AIAS.
Geary will assist the AIAS board of directors through the transition process and will remain the organization’s exec. director until Feb. 12. Chastain said that Geary will fulfill his obligations for the rest of his term and will continue to support the organization after his departure.
OFA has nearly 3,000 members and operates one of the ornamental horticulture industry’s largest trade shows with nearly 10,000 attendees. As OFA CEO, Geary will be responsible for a staff of 15 and a budget of $3 million.