Michael V. Geary tendered his resignation as president and CEO of AmericanHort, according to its board of directors. Geary will remain on staff through September 30 and will assist with the transition process, AmericanHort said.
Effective October 1, David Savoia, CFO and senior vice president for operations, will serve as interim president and CEO while the board searches for a new staff executive.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve AmericanHort during a critical period for the organization and for the industry,” said Geary. “I am extremely proud of our accomplishments as we transformed the industry’s organizations and initiated new strategies to serve the North American industry.”
Geary is leaving to serve as CEO of the Society for Marketing Professional Services, a Washington, D.C.-based organization dedicated to creating business opportunities in the architecture, engineering and construction industries.
During his tenure, Geary served as the staff executive for AmericanHort, America in Bloom, the former American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA), the Horticultural Research Institute, the Nursery & Landscape Association Executives, the former OFA—The Association of Horticulture Professionals, and the Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association. He led the consolidation of ANLA and OFA and the merger with the Plantscape Institute of America, directed the expansion of the Cultivate convention and exposition, and oversaw the development of the “Grow Wise. Bee Smart” and “Shift” initiatives.
