North Central Chapter

President’s Message

Dear North Central members,

It is an honor to serve as your President for 2024 – 2025.  North Central has been my floral family for many years starting at my first Symposium in Chicago of all places.  I arrived not knowing a soul but quickly felt I was part of something great.

My background is rooted in gardening which led me to floral design bridging two of my favorite things.  My hunger to learn more about floral design and to connect with like minded florists on the cutting edge of design led me to AIFD.  I soon realized that as members we are moving the industry forward by maintaining a level of professionalism while adapting to the rapidly changing environment.

I would like to thank Sheryl Doerr AIFD our outgoing President for the leadership and guidance she has given me over the past few years.  Pete Samek AIFD has served North Central as our Regional Chapter Representative to the National Board and as our Foundation Representative for the past 6 years.  North Central owes a debt of gratitude to Pete for the countless hours spent on making sure our voices were heard and representing us with honor and dignity.  Stepping into Pete’s shoes are Mary Linda Horn AIFD, as Regional Chapter Representative to the National Board and, Alan Thompson AIFD, as Regional Foundation Representative.

I am excited to be working with my executive board, Mike Brown AIFD, President – Elect; Vice President, Doug Bates AIFD; Sue Bal AIFD, Secretary; Mike Lewis AIFD, Treasurer; and Sheryl Doerr AIFD, Past President.

Leaving the board this year are directors Derek Woodruff AIFD, Elizabeth Stocker AIFD and Courtney Turner AIFD.  We appreciate all you have done for the chapter.  Our new board members are Jennifer Butcher AIFD, Katy Selmi AIFD, and Michelle Soupley AIFD, who join our current board members, Kathy Cunningham AIFD; Jeremy Ruttger AIFD; Kelsey Thompson AIFD; Jane Edwards AIFD; Rupali Shete Sadalage AIFD and Janet Gallagher AIFD.

I envision a year focused on continuing education whether that be design programs, workshops or awareness events with a goal of reaching as many people as possible.  Working together as a chapter and saying yes when asked we can accomplish great things.  One yes can change the rest of your career.

This year will be an exciting one as AIFD begins the celebration of our 60^th anniversary with the Designs of the Decades competition.  Details of the competition will be revealed at Symposium in Orlando but, I will tell you that there are fabulous prizes along the way and the final competition will be held during the 2025 Symposium in Palm Desert.

As I begin the year I look forward to “emerge” in Orlando and developing new friendships, the inevitable floral “ah ha” moments and reconnecting with my AIFD family.  I hope to see many of you there.

Together we can accomplish great things.

Trisha Haislar AIFD

North Central President 2024 – 2025