AIFD Fires Up New Leadership, Nurtures Next Creative Crop of Designers
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Walter Fedyshyn, AIFD, PFCI, is
the new president
of AIFD. | The American Institute of Floral Designers welcomed its new president, Walter Fedyshyn, AIFD, PFCI, and other officers during its 2008 National Symposium held over the Fourth of July weekend in Chicago. He succeeds Tom Simmons, AIFD, of Three Branch Palms Productions, Palm Springs, Calif.
Fedyshyn, of Anthony Gowder Designs in Chicago, who also just celebrated his 20th anniversary as an AIFD member, says he's looking forward to sharing his love of flowers and passion for design. One of his main goals is to see the Certified Floral Designer (CFD) program become a reality.
"AIFD's been working on this extremely important program for a long time now to make sure that we have all the particulars worked out," Fedyshyn says of what he thinks could be one of the group's "greatest contributions" to the floral industry.
Tina Stoecker, AIFD, PFCI, of Designs of the Times Florist in Melbourne, Fla., was installed as president-elect and Sharon McGurkin, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, a freelance instructional designer and floral commentator based in Carrollton, Ga., will be vice president.
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Kokoro Okaya (left) of City College of San Francisco wins praise from Student AIFD Committee Co-Chair BJ Dyer, AIFD, for placing first overall
in a student competition. | Also serving this year are Ann Jordan, AIFD, PFCI, of Ann Jordan Design Consulting in Naples, Maine, as secretary and Rich Salvaggio, AIFD, PFCI, of Teleflora, who will continue to be treasurer.
For a full list of officers, click here.
The next generation of designers put their signature on the symposium during the Student Design Competition, where the City College of San Francisco (CCSF) garnered the top three spots.
Kokoro Okaya, a student at CCSF took home first place overall, while classmates Donovon Schinkel and Margaret Buxton placed second and third respectively. For winners in individual and challenging categories, including food-table design and napkin flower décor, go here.
--Kori Kamradt
kkamradt@safnow.org
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