2022 AIFD® Award Winners

AIFD® Honors Twelve Professionals with Awards

Twelve recipients were recognized on July 7 during the Institute’s Awards & Induction Ceremony held in conjunction with the National Symposium “ROOTS” in Las Vegas, NV. Awards were presented to recipients from 2020, 2021 and 2022.

2020

Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD
David Shover AIFD, CFD

David Shover AIFD has been recognized posthumously with the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD. This award is given to longstanding members of the American Institute of Floral Designers in grateful recognition of extraordinary service to the Institute, upholding its goals and supporting its activities. Recipients shall be known as ‘Fellows of AIFD’ and are granted Life Membership.

David was a member of AIFD since 1989, served as president-elect of the National Board and held several positions at both the national and regional levels. As a mentor, a teacher, a colleague, and a friend, he chose to inspire rather than to control. David passed away in February 2020 and the award was accepted by his family.

Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD
William McKinley AIFD, CFD

William McKinley AIFD has been recognized with the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD. This award is given to longstanding members of the American Institute of Floral Designers in grateful recognition of extraordinary service to the Institute, upholding its goals and supporting its activities. Recipients shall be known as ‘Fellows of AIFD’ and are granted Life Membership.

Bill has been a member of AIFD since 1991, has served on the National Board of Directors, and has held many positions both on the national and regional level.  He has dedicated his time to strengthening the educational programs for which the Institute is well-known, creating online content, and elevating the industry through his professionalism and collaborative spirit.

 

Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry
Suzie Kostick AIFD, CFD

Suzie Kostick AIFD has been recognized by the American Institute of Floral Designers’ (AIFD) National Board of Directors with the Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry. This award is presented to AIFD® members who have made a significant contribution to the floral industry.

Suzie has been an internationally recognized floral artist for more than 40 years including owning a retail shop, floriculture instructor, mass market manager, interior and events manager, magazine publisher and a marketing consultant just to name a few. She has a wealth of knowledge to give to all aspects of the floral industry and continues to do so even after her leadership jobs change. She always has a notebook to give you for every committee.

Award of Design Influence
Charlie Groppetti AIFD, CFD

Charlie Groppetti AIFD has been recognized with the Award of Design Influence. This award is presented to AIFD members who are floral design visionaries whose creative body of work has national influence and constitutes a legacy of innovation.

During a time where interiors were contemporary, bright, bold and sleek, Charlie’s collection brought forth aged finishes, muted colors, texture and a reintroduction of nostalgic items in a design aesthetic that appeared authentic, time-worn and collected throughout a lifetime.  Now his inspiration comes from a home and garden lifestyle.

Award of Merit – Industry
Linda Adams

Linda Adams of Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association has been recognized with the Award of Merit – Industry. This is an award that is presented to professionals in the floral industry who are not a member of AIFD, but who are serving a crucial role in advancing the industry.

At the very beginning of the relationship between AIFD and FNGLA (Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, Linda Adams has been instrumental in the connection of the two associations. Our exposure has grown leaps and bounds thanks to Linda and her driving force to help promote the AIFD specifically for the Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) Convention.

Special Award of Recognition
Tom Simmons AIFD, CFD

Tom Simmons AIFD has been recognized with the 2020 Special Award of Recognition. This is an award that is presented by the Board of Directors in recognition of meritorious and dedicated services to the American Institute of Floral Designers.

Inducted as a member of AIFD in 1984, Tom has served as president of the National Board, National Treasurer, Symposium Chair and Program Chair and has held several positions at both the national and regional levels. Devoted to the floral industry, and to a floral career of over 34 years. A Teleflora Education Specialist, Industry Relations, and Product Development. One of California’s leading floral design professionals and owner of Three Palms Productions, Palm Springs, CA.

 

2021

Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD
Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD, CFD

Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD has been recognized with the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD. This award is given to longstanding members of the American Institute of Floral Designers in grateful recognition of extraordinary service to the Institute, upholding its goals and supporting its activities. Recipients shall be known as ‘Fellows of AIFD’ and are granted Life Membership.

Joyce is an active member and tireless advocate of AIFD. Having served in many leadership capacities, this talented Floral Educator is known internationally for her knowledge and professionalism. Floral audiences love her direct yet approachable style of teaching. She has invested many years in refining AIFD’s educational programs.

 

Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry
Christopher Norwood AIFD, CFD

Christopher Norwood AIFD has been recognized by the American Institute of Floral Designers’ (AIFD) National Board of Directors with the Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry. This award is presented to AIFD® members who have made a significant contribution to the floral industry.

Christopher was inducted in 1994, he has served both the regional and National Boards in all capacities including President. He received the award of Distinguished Service to AIFD in 2012. He is past chairman and CEO of the AIFD Foundation and is slated to be 2023 AIFD Symposium Coordinator. He has 3623 followers on FB with daily “Todays Happy” live broadcast which has united the floral community for the past 3 years!

Special Award of Recognition
Jackie Lacey AIFD, CFD

Jackie Lacey AIFD has been recognized with the Special Award of Recognition. This is an award that is presented by the Board of Directors in recognition of meritorious and dedicated services to the American Institute of Floral Designers.

Jackie has shown superior leadership during his role of President of the organization. Lacey is currently the acting Past President and served as the AIFD National President, effective July 2019-July 2021. Mr. Lacey was inducted in 2006 serving on numerous committees; National Board of Directors, AIFD National Past Membership Committee Chairman, CFD Committee, International Committee and current President of the Southern Floral Association. His outstanding leadership was paramount during his presidency. He has over thirty years of experience in the retail floral markets and floral education field. He is currently the Director of Education and Industry Relations with Floriology, BloomNet, Napco, Senior Design Team Specialist and ongoing contributor for Floriology Magazine.

 

Special Award of Recognition
Sandy Schroeck AIFD,CFD

Sandy Schroeck AIFD has been recognized with the Special Award of Recognition. This is an award that is presented by the Board of Directors in recognition of meritorious and dedicated services to the American Institute of Floral Designers.

Inducted as a member of AIFD in 2003, Sandy has served as Member at Large to the National Board, Symposium Chair, Membership Chair, and has held several positions at both the national and regional levels. Freelance designer, Floral trend expert, Product development, Showroom designer, and owner of Trend on Design, Minnesota. Leading industry educator and member of Smithers-Oasis Education Team and Floriology Education Specialist. Her contributions to the association during the pandemic and her efforts to pivot to provide virtual education are astounding.

 

2022

Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD
Ann Jordan AIFD, CFD

Ann Jordan AIFD has been recognized with the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD. This award is given to longstanding members of the American Institute of Floral Designers in grateful recognition of extraordinary service to the Institute, upholding its goals and supporting its activities. Recipients shall be known as ‘Fellows of AIFD’ and are granted Life Membership.

Ann has given countless hours of blood, sweat and tears to AIFD, an organization she loves with all her heart. Her passion for this organization drives her to give or her time, talent, and service.

 

Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry
Deborah De La Flor AIFD, CFD

Deborah De La Flor AIFD has been recognized by the American Institute of Floral Designers’ (AIFD) National Board of Directors with the Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry. This award is presented to AIFD® members who have made a significant contribution to the floral industry.

Deborah is a gifted storyteller who connects heart and soul with flowers as she gracefully commands audiences worldwide about her love and passion for flowers. Her passion for perfection and beauty is what makes her one of the most sought-after floral educators in the world.