Underwood Named Executive Director of AHS
The American Horticultural Society's Board of Directors has selected Tom Underwood as the Society's Executive Director. This newly created position will become the top staff position in the organization. Underwood, who has been with the AHS for five years, was promoted from his former position as Director of Member Programs and Chief Operating Officer. Underwood brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience in the horticulture industry to the position. Prior to joining AHS, he worked for 20 years with the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. At Disney, he was involved with producing the annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, coordinated horticultural training and internships, developed gardening programs and seminars, and managed behind-the-scenes nurseries and greenhouses for the resort. He has a bachelor's degree in ornamental horticulture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a master's degree in science education from the University of Central Florida. "I am tremendously honored to have been selected by our AHS Board to lead the organization at this important time in the Society's history," says Underwood. "We have a talented and dedicated staff, an enthusiastic and committed Board, and strong support from our members. I expect the coming years to be full of collaboration, synergy, and excitement as we continue to move the organization forward."
The American Horticultural Society's Board of Directors has selected Tom Underwood as the Society's Executive Director. This newly created position will become the top staff position in the organization. Underwood, who has been with the AHS for five years, was promoted from his former position as Director of Member Programs and Chief Operating Officer. Underwood brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience in the horticulture industry to the position. Prior to joining AHS, he worked for 20 years with the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. At Disney, he was involved with producing the annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, coordinated horticultural training and internships, developed gardening programs and seminars, and managed behind-the-scenes nurseries and greenhouses for the resort. He has a bachelor's degree in ornamental horticulture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a master's degree in science education from the University of Central Florida. "I am tremendously honored to have been selected by our AHS Board to lead the organization at this important time in the Society's history," says Underwood. "We have a talented and dedicated staff, an enthusiastic and committed Board, and strong support from our members. I expect the coming years to be full of collaboration, synergy, and excitement as we continue to move the organization forward."
