Art Van Wingerden appointed AFE chairman-elect
Art Van Wingerden appointed AFE chairman-elect
The American Floral Endowment has appointed Art Van Wingerden, chief operating officer of Metrolina Greenhouses, as its chairman-elect.
Van Wingerden will begin a two-year term as chairman in September 2026, succeeding current Chairman David Garcia of Pete Garcia Co. Garcia will continue his service for an additional two years as past chairman.
The appointment comes as the endowment celebrates its 65th anniversary.
As COO of Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, North Carolina, Van Wingerden helps guide one of the largest greenhouse operations in the country. Founded in 1972 and family-run, Metrolina grows and ships more than 70 million plants annually to more than 1,400 retail locations across 19 states, including Lowe's, The Home Depot and Walmart. Van Wingerden oversees production, growing, contract growing and labor.
Since joining the endowment's board of trustees in 2018, Van Wingerden has served on the Research Committee and the Executive Committee. Metrolina has also been a supporter of the endowment's programs, including participation as an annual partner of Sustainabloom, which provides sustainability education and resources for the industry.
"I'm honored to partner with AFE's dedicated board of trustees, respected industry leaders and staff as we continue advancing our mission, expanding our programs and increasing the funding that fuels innovation and progress," Van Wingerden said. "The research, education and scholarships supported by AFE donors make a meaningful difference for businesses of every size, and I look forward to helping strengthen that work in the years ahead."
"Art is a great example of an industry professional who understands the importance of giving back," said Garcia, the current chairman. "He brings not only deep business experience, but also a genuine willingness and passion to share information for the good of the entire floral industry. That collaborative mindset is exactly what AFE represents."
The endowment's board of trustees is composed of professionals representing all segments of the floral industry, including growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers and allied partners. Trustees volunteer their time and attend meetings and events at their own expense.