AIFD® Announces New Executive Director

Kristen Philips, CAE, IOM was announced as the American Institute of Floral Designers’  new Executive Director during the 2016 Symposium, “Inspiration” in Orange County, Calif. Philips replaces long time Executive Director Thomas C. Shaner who is retiring after serving the Institute for over 35 years.

Newly elected AIFD® President, Anthony Vigliotta AIFD, CFD reflects on the changing of the guards. “Tom Shaner has been an integral part of AIFD for some time, it will be sad to see him go,” said Vigliotta, “but AIFD is excited to build and move forward with Ms. Philips.”

Philips is no stranger to the floral industry; she has worked with the American Institute of Floral Designers for 11 years. As the Associate Executive Director she has guided the organization through many changes including the creation and expansion of the Certified Floral Designer (CFD®) program and creating and implementing the cutting-edge electronic evaluating scoring system for the association’s Professional Floral Design Evaluation.

Highly motivated, and experienced for the position as Executive Director, Ms. Philips was awarded by AIFD’s National Board of Directors with the Special Award of Recognition for her loyalty and dedication to the association and its mission to advance the art of professional floral design through education, service and leadership.

“Ms. Philips has an outstanding reputation with AIFD,” commented Vigliotta, “We look forward to seeing all of the great things she is capable of in the years to come.”

Ms. Philips graduated from the University of Baltimore, Summa Cum Laude, and shortly thereafter completed her studies at the Institute for Organization Management, a 4-year program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce focused on nonprofit professional development for association professionals. Ms. Philips also obtained her CAE designation (Certified Association Executive) from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

“Tom Shaner has been the Executive Director for AIFD for over 35 years and in many ways helped shape AIFD to be what it is today,” said Philips, “While I know that I have big shoes to fill, I look forward to the future of the organization and the goals that we can achieve together that will continue to benefit the floral design industry.”

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with the dedicated volunteer leadership, and the extremely talented group of floral design artists, educators, and industry supporters who make up the AIFD membership, and to continue to advance the mission of AIFD and advance the art of professional floral design,” said Philips.        

AIFD was established in 1965 and is dedicated to recognizing and promoting the art of floral design as a professional career. It is the floral industry's leading nonprofit organization committed to establishing and maintaining higher standards in professional floral design. With over 1,000 members worldwide, AIFD and its members are in the forefront of the industry in presenting educational and design programs.

Each year, AIFD hosts its National Symposium in a different host city. The Symposium is an opportunity for internationally acclaimed designers to gather together to share ideas, educational tips, network and advance the industry of floral design. The 2017 National Symposium “X” is taking place July 1-5 in Seattle, Wash.

For information on AIFD or its 2017 Symposium, please contact AIFD at 410-752-3318 or visit the website at AIFD.org.

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