COLUMBUS, OH – January 20, 2026 — The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the research affiliate of AmericanHort, has announced its 2026 Board of Trustees leadership and governance updates, including new officers, term renewals, and the appointment of a new board member. 

HRI’s Board of Trustees provides strategic direction and oversight for the organization’s national efforts to advance horticultural research, strengthen the connection between research outcomes and industry use, and invest in the future of the green industry through education, scholarships, and leadership development. 

2026 Board Leadership 

HRI is pleased to announce the following officer transitions effective January 2026: 

• Mark Yelanich, PhD (Metrolina Greenhouse) will serve as 2026 President 
• Ed Tankard (Tankard Nurseries) will serve as 2026 President-Elect 
• Jonathan Berry (J Berry Nursery) will assume the role of Immediate Past President 

In addition, Ryan Overdevest (Overdevest Nurseries, LP) has joined the Executive Committee to serve with Treasurer Dan Batson (GreenForest Nursery, Inc.), Jim Eason (Eason Horticultural Resources), Development Committee Chair Harvey Cotten (Horticultural Consultant & Author), and John Rausch (Star Roses & Plants). 

HRI extends sincere appreciation to Jonathan Berry for his dedicated service and leadership as 2025 Board President, helping guide HRI’s continued focus on industry relevance, research impact, and long-term stewardship. 

New Trustee Appointment 

HRI welcomes Matt Foertmeyer (Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse), who will begin a three-year term representing Region II. 

Foertmeyer is a second-generation greenhouse grower and owner currently serving as head grower for Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse, the company his parents founded in 1988. He currently serves as the Greenhouse Community Connector Coordinator for AmericanHort, and is a routine volunteer with The Ohio State University’s Department of Horticulture & Crop Science. A graduate of the inaugural class of the HRI Leadership Academy, Foertmeyer is also a frequent speaker and moderator at industry conferences and is known for his commitment to developing the industry’s workforce and strengthening opportunities for grower success. 

Trustees Continuing Service 

HRI also recognizes the trustees appointed to second three-year terms: Shane Brockshus (Bailey Nurseries), Mike Hiller (KCK Farms), Matt Sawyer (Bennett’s Creek Nursery), Simon Traskey (Star Roses & Plants), and Lloyd Traven (Peace Tree Farm). 

HRI gratefully acknowledges the continued service of current trustees who will remain on the board in 2026: Jonathan Jasinski (Microplant Nurseries), Peter Mezitt (Weston Nurseries), Amy Morris (N.G. Heimos Greenhouses), Denise Mullins (Smith Gardens), Ben Rough (J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.), Bennett Saunders (Saunders Brothers), Steve Taber (Southwest Wholesale Nursery), and Maria Zampini (UpShoot LLC). 

Recognition of Outgoing Trustees 

HRI extends sincere appreciation to Leigh Geschwill (F and B Farms and Nursery) and Ed Bemis (Bemis Farms Nursery) as they conclude their service on the Board of Trustees effective January 2026. Bemis has completed two six-year terms on the board, and Geschwill has completed multiple terms of service, including her leadership as HRI President. 

“Leigh has been a remarkable leader for HRI and a steadfast champion for research that strengthens the horticulture industry,” said Jennifer Gray, HRI Administrator. “Her leadership helped reinforce a culture of stewardship and accountability, and her influence is reflected in HRI’s continued focus on connecting research investment to practical, actionable outcomes for growers and businesses. We are deeply grateful for her service.” 

Gray also recognized outgoing trustee Ed Bemis for his dedicated service to HRI. “During Ed’s service on the Board of Trustees, he brought thoughtful guidance and a steady industry perspective—especially elevating the needs and viewpoints of garden retailers,” Gray said. “His commitment to HRI’s mission and to ensuring our work stays grounded in real-world industry priorities has made a lasting difference.” 

Gray added that HRI is equally grateful to Jonathan Berry for his leadership as 2025 President and his continued service as Immediate Past President in 2026, ensuring strong continuity within the organization’s Board of Trustees. 

For more information about HRI and its work to fund, support, and share horticultural research, visit www.hriresearch.org.