TEAM

GET TO KNOW THE TALENTED
PEOPLE WHO FUEL OUR MISSION

The American Horticultural Society's Board of Directors at the 2025 AHS Gala at River Farm

Board of Directors

  • Kathryn Acerbo-Bachmann, Acton, MA
  • Doug Barker, Washington, DC
  • Skipp Calvert, Alexandria, VA
  • Tim Conlon, Dubuque, IA
  • Dr. Larry Deaven, Los Alamos, NM
  • Dr. James Folsom, Eastpoint, FL
  • Amy Golden, Falls Church, VA
  • Panayoti Kelaidis, Denver, CO
  • Scott Plein, Board Chair, Falls Church, VA
  • Christian Primeau, Cortlandt Manor, NY
  • Holly Shimizu, Glen Echo, MD
  • Bryant Smith, Baltimore, MD
  • Philip Tabas, Arlington, VA
  • Suzanne Laporte, President and CEO, ex-officio, Chevy Chase, MD

Staff

Courtney Allen

Director of National Programs

Favorite Plant: White Birch (Betula papyrifera)

Shannon Ayres

Communications Associate

Favorite Plant: Common poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

Mercedes Bryant

Director of Travel Studies

Favorite Plant: Chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) 

Tammy Burke

Horticulturist, River Farm
Favorite Plant: ‘Black and Blue’ Salvia (Salvia guarantica)

Kate Cordle

Events and Rentals Manager, River Farm
Favorite Plant: Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Leslie Fetty

Associate Membership Manager
Favorite Plant: Daffodil (Narcissus)

Rochelle Greayer

Editor of American Gardener
Favorite Plant: Foxtail lily (Eremurus robustus)

Jack Greenfield

Grounds Manager, River Farm
Favorite Plant: Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Suzanne Laporte

President and CEO
Favorite Plant: Common lilac (Syringia vulgaris)

Jane Morrison

General & Events Receptionist, River Farm

Favorite Plant: Dahlia (Dahlia)

Caitlin Metzger

Assistant Manager, Development
Favorite Plant: Giant allium (Allium giganteum)

Philip Saville

Manager of Membership Operations
Favorite Plant: Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

Claire A. Splan

Associate Editor of American Gardener
Favorite Plant: Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Peter Tajat

Managing Director, Property Operations
Favorite Plant: Dwarf Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa)

Sheri Thorpe

Director of Finance
Favorite Plant: Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Katie Tukey

Director of Development and Engagement
Favorite Plant: Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Daniel Vincent

Director of Membership and Communications
Favorite Plant: Bear’s Breeches (Acanthus spinosus)

Mary Yee

Managing Editor & Art Director of American Gardener
Favorite Plant: Rose (Rosa)

Kiran Yousaf

Programs Assistant

Favorite Plant: Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera)

Consulting Staff

  • Robert Kuhlman, Digital Editor
  • Matt Mattus, Senior Director of Horticulture
  • Rebecca McMackin, Director of Horticultural Communications

Horticultural Advisory Council

  • Dr. Jim Folsom, Eastpoint, FL
  • William McNamara, Truckee, CA
  • Dr. Mary Hockenberry Meyer, Plymouth, MN
  • Claire Sawyers, Swarthmore, PA
  • Keith Tomlinson, Arlington, VA

American Gardener Editorial Advisory Board

  • Lorene Edwards Forkner, Seattle, WA
  • Panayoti Kelaidis, Denver, CO
  • Daria McKelvey, St. Louis, MO
  • Susan Morrison, Concord, CA
  • Charlie Nardozzi, Chair, Burlington, VT
  • Kelly D. Norris, Des Moines, IA
  • Jessica Walliser, Pittsburgh, PA