Horticultural Research Institute reveals board updates

The Horticultural Research Institute, the research affiliate of AmericanHort, has announced its 2026 board of trustees leadership and governance updates, including new officers, term renewals, and the appointment of a new board member.

2026 HRI board leadership

HRI has made the following officer transitions effective January 2026:

• Mark Yelanich, PhD (Metrolina Greenhouse) will serve as 2026 president
• Ed Tankard (Tankard Nurseries) will serve as 2026 president-elect
• Jonathan Berry (J Berry Nursery) will assume the role of immediate past president

In addition, Ryan Overdevest (Overdevest Nurseries) has joined the executive committee to serve with Treasurer Dan Batson (GreenForest Nursery), Jim Eason (Eason Horticultural Resources), Development Committee Chair Harvey Cotten (Horticultural Consultant & Author) and John Rausch (Star Roses & Plants).

HRI has also welcomed Matt Foertmeyer (Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse), who will begin a three-year term representing Region II.

Foertmeyer is a second-generation greenhouse grower and owner currently serving as head grower for Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse, the company his parents founded in 1988. He currently serves as the Greenhouse Community Connector Coordinator for AmericanHort, and is a routine volunteer with The Ohio State University’s Department of Horticulture & Crop Science. A graduate of the inaugural class of the HRI Leadership Academy, Foertmeyer is also a frequent speaker and moderator at industry conferences and is known for his commitment to developing the industry’s workforce and strengthening opportunities for grower success.

HRI also recognizes the trustees appointed to second three-year terms: Shane Brockshus (Bailey Nurseries), Mike Hiller (KCK Farms), Matt Sawyer (Bennett’s Creek Nursery), Simon Traskey (Star Roses & Plants), and Lloyd Traven (Peace Tree Farm).

Current trustees who will remain on the board in 2026 include:

• Jonathan Jasinski (Microplant Nurseries)
• Peter Mezitt (Weston Nurseries)
• Amy Morris (N.G. Heimos Greenhouses)
• Denise Mullins (Smith Gardens)
• Ben Rough (J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.)
• Bennett Saunders (Saunders Brothers)
• Steve Taber (Southwest Wholesale Nursery)
• Maria Zampini (UpShoot).
  

Leigh Geschwill (F and B Farms and Nursery) and Ed Bemis (Bemis Farms Nursery) conclude their service on the board of trustees effective this month. Bemis has completed two six-year terms on the board, and Geschwill has completed multiple terms of service, including her leadership as HRI President.

“Leigh has been a remarkable leader for HRI and a steadfast champion for research that strengthens the horticulture industry,” says Jennifer Gray, HRI Administrator. “Her leadership helped reinforce a culture of stewardship and accountability, and her influence is reflected in HRI’s continued focus on connecting research investment to practical, actionable outcomes for growers and businesses. We are deeply grateful for her service.”

“During Ed’s service on the Board of Trustees, he brought thoughtful guidance and a steady industry perspective—especially elevating the needs and viewpoints of garden retailers,” Gray says. “His commitment to HRI’s mission and to ensuring our work stays grounded in real-world industry priorities has made a lasting difference.”