CEO & President

Job Description
President & Chief Executive Officer • AmericanHort Association

About the Role

The AmericanHort Association is seeking a President & Chief Executive Officer to build upon the solid foundation of one of the leading industry trade associations in advancing the organization's advocacy of the Horticulture industry.



Why AmericanHort? AmericanHort is the national trade association representing the U.S. ornamental horticulture industry. The association serves businesses that grow, distribute, sell, install, and maintain ornamental plants and related products. Its mission is to help member businesses perform better, grow faster, and remain competitive in a complex and evolving economic, regulatory, and labor environment.

AmericanHort operates as a 501(c)(6) trade association and is supported by membership dues, events and conferences, education programs, sponsorships, and partnerships. The association also operates the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the AmericanHort Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that advances industry research, scholarships, leadership development, and education. The CEO has oversight of HRI in partnership with key staff, with fiduciary and governance oversight provided by the HRI Board of Directors.

The association's headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio, with a policy presence in Washington, D.C., reflecting the importance of federal advocacy to the industry.

Why This Opportunity?

Does your career direction point you toward leading a respected national organization at a pivotal moment for the industry? Would you benefit from partnering with an engaged board and committed volunteer leaders? Do you have a passion for shaping the future of a diverse, innovative, and economically significant industry? Will you find tremendous satisfaction building on a durable foundation while helping define the next chapter of AmericanHort's impact?

Position Summary

The President & CEO serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of AmericanHort, responsible for advancing the organization's mission, strengthening member value, ensuring financial sustainability, and representing the industry at the national level. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO leads a high-performing staff team, partners closely with volunteer leadership, and serves as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the industry.

Current President & CEO Ken Fisher is stepping down after a highly successful ten years, during which he led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and into a stronger financial position. This leadership allowed AmericanHort to advance critical governance, create impactful industry education programs, and propel the horticulture industry's flagship trade show and conference (Cultivate) into one of the most respected.


In addition to leading the trade association, the CEO provides executive leadership, staffing, and operational oversight for the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), ensuring strong alignment with governance, programmatic impact, and financial stewardship in partnership with the HRI Board of Directors.

While mission and impact guide AmericanHort's priorities, metrics, and investments, it is a point of pride that the organization also operates with the discipline of a business. This role requires a proven executive leader with strong strategic instincts, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments while driving results.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead the development and execution of a clear, compelling strategic vision aligned with member needs and industry trends.
• Translate strategy into measurable priorities, outcomes, and organizational focus.
• Anticipate and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities affecting the horticulture industry.

Board Governance & Volunteer Leadership

• Partner effectively with the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and key committees to support strong governance and decision-making.
• Build trust-based relationships with volunteer leaders and engage them meaningfully in advancing the organization's work.
• Support and coordinate governance activities of the HRI Board, ensuring clear role definition, transparency, and alignment between staff leadership and Board oversight.

Association Events, Education & Revenue Leadership

• Demonstrated experience providing executive oversight and strategic leadership for large-scale trade shows, conferences, and industry events that serve as flagship programs and major revenue drivers for an organization.
• Proven ability to guide the successful management and continuous evolution of comprehensive educational programming, including conferences, workshops, webinars, certifications, leadership development offerings, and professional education initiatives.
• Experience balancing program quality, member value, financial performance, and operational execution in collaboration with staff leaders, volunteer committees, and external partners.
• Understanding of how events and education advance member engagement, brand visibility, industry influence, and long-term organizational sustainability.

Advocacy & External Representation

• Help provide issue development and a strong voice for AmericanHort and its members with policymakers, regulators, coalition partners, and allied organizations.
• Guide federal and state advocacy strategies in collaboration with staff, Board leaders, and external partners.
• Represent the organization with credibility, confidence, and diplomacy across diverse audiences.

Research, Leadership Development & Philanthropic Programs

• Provide executive leadership and staff oversight for HRI's research agenda, grantmaking, scholarship programs, and leadership development initiatives.
• Ensure the quality, relevance, and impact of programs such as the HRI Leadership Academy.
• Serve as a visible champion for industry research, education, and leadership development.

Member Value & Industry Engagement

• Clearly articulate and communicate AmericanHort's value proposition to members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Strengthen member engagement, retention, and growth across diverse industry segments.
• Foster strong relationships with industry leaders, state associations, and partner organizations.

Financial & Organizational Management

• Ensure the long-term financial health and sustainability of both AmericanHort and HRI.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, investment oversight, and risk management for the association and its foundation.
• Ensure fundraising strategy and donor engagement efforts supporting research, scholarships, and leadership development.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a capable, mission-aligned senior leadership team.
• Promote a positive and high-performance organizational culture.

Pivotal Qualifications & Attributes

Executive Leadership & Presence

• Proven experience leading diverse organizations, associations, or mission-driven enterprises.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, build alignment, and make sound decisions.
• Executive presence that inspires confidence among Boards, members, partners, and staff.

Strategic & Analytical Capability

• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to set priorities and focus organizational effort.
• Financial acumen, including experience with budgets, financial statements, and long-term sustainability.
• Experience working with or leading a 501(c)(3) organization, including interaction with an independent Board, fundraising, and fiduciary oversight, is strongly preferred.
• Ability to balance innovation with operational discipline.

Communication & Relationship Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to clearly and persuasively articulate value, strategy, and impact.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; effective listener and collaborator.

Advocacy & External Orientation

• Experience collaborating with policymakers, regulators, or external stakeholders.
• Comfort serving as a public-facing leader and spokesperson.
• Ability to navigate politically complex environments with professionalism and integrity.

Industry Knowledge & Learning Orientation

• Familiarity with horticulture, agriculture, the green industry, or related sectors is valued.
• Candidates from adjacent industries or association leadership backgrounds with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn and engage will be strongly considered.

Education
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required, with an advanced degree preferred.

Practical Considerations

• Willingness and ability to travel extensively for association and industry events.

Compensation & Benefits
• Base Compensation $200K - $280K
• Bonus 10%
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Health, Dental, Vision, HAS/FSA
• 401K
• Life and Disability Insurance

To learn more about AmericanHort, please review our website at:

Please apply for this position if you have the requisite experience leading the President & CEO's responsibilities and embody the qualifications and attributes of leadership. Please forward your resume and cover letter, concisely describing your interest in AmericanHort and the Horticulture industry, to Todd Downing at View email address on click.appcast.io .


All inquiries are confidentially protected and appreciated. AmericanHort is an equal opportunity employer.