COLUMBUS, OH – June 30, 2026 – The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) is proud to announce the selection of the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027. This intensive, year-long program further develops leaders across the green industry, strengthening their strategic insight, business acumen, and collaborative skills so they can lead their organizations more effectively and expand their influence within the broader industry.

Through a rigorous curriculum focused on leadership, strategy, finance, operations, and change management, the HRI Leadership Academy helps participants view business holistically, lead teams effectively, and transform vision into action. The program combines in-person learning sessions, peer collaboration, and a hands-on LEAD Project, while connecting participants to a national network of industry leaders.

“Programs like the HRI Leadership Academy are essential to further develop thoughtful, capable leaders who can guide our industry forward,” said Jennifer Gray, HRI Administrator. “We look for professionals who are already demonstrating strong leadership in their organizations and communities, and who have the curiosity and commitment to grow their influence at a broader level. This year’s class reflects that standard.”

Bob Berbee (Leo Berbee Bulb Company – OH) serves as CEO of Leo Berbee Bulb Company, a third-generation family business specializing in flower bulb distribution and global supply chain operations. He previously founded and grew Dutch Mill Greenhouse (a successful retail garden center) before transitioning leadership to focus on the family wholesale business. With deep roots in both retail and wholesale horticulture, Bob brings a comprehensive view of the value chain and is known for his team-oriented leadership style, strong relationship-building skills, and commitment to creating positive, engaging workplace cultures.

Esmeralda Carrasco (Ponderosa Cactus – AZ) serves as Chief Operating Officer of Ponderosa Cactus & Hay Sales Inc, a multi-location desert plant nursery and landscape operation where she oversees operations, staff leadership, and strategic planning with a focus on sustainable desert practices and water-smart planting. With more than twelve years of experience spanning nursery operations, landscape design, and applied research, she brings an integrated perspective to climate-responsive landscape systems in arid environments. Known for her cooperative and inclusive approach and commitment to mentorship and workforce development, Esmeralda contributes to advancing resilient, sustainable practices in the green industry.

Jennifer Dyer (MasterTag – MI) serves as General Manager and President of MasterTag, a supplier of plant tags and marketing solutions for the green industry, where she leads overall business strategy, operations, team culture, and customer-focused growth initiatives. With twelve years of progressive leadership experience at MasterTag, Jennifer previously held roles in human resources, finance, IT, commercial operations, and continuous improvement. She recently completed an Executive MBA from Michigan State University. Jennifer is recognized for building strong partnerships, positive team cultures, and driving operational excellence through process improvement and digital transformation. She combines cross-industry experience with deep horticulture supplier expertise in strategic operations and team leadership.

Andy Fields (Goodmark Nurseries – IL) serves as Vice President of Container Operations and IPM at Goodmark Nurseries where he leads the container division, manages operating and capital budgets, drives pricing strategy, and develops strategic plans for growing operations and IPM. Andy has advanced rapidly through roles in growing, IPM, irrigation systems, and production planning. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, strong communication skills, and commitment to empowering teams while championing sustainable practices and thoughtful adoption of new technologies.

Carrie Hancock (JMR Landscaping – IL) serves as Maintenance and Enhancement Operations Manager at JMR Landscaping where she oversees daily operations, scheduling, team leadership, and customer service for residential maintenance and enhancement services. With more than 25 years of experience in the landscape industry, she has built expertise in seasonal color design and production, operations management, process improvement, and team development across multiple companies. Carrie is recognized for her consensus-building leadership style, strong organizational skills, and commitment to building positive workplace cultures while streamlining workflows and embracing technology thoughtfully. She is a dedicated industry volunteer leader, currently serving as Chair of the Women’s Network for Landscape Illinois, where she has played a central role in expanding mentorship programs, professional development events, and networking initiatives.

Tanner Jones (Family Tree Nursery – MO) serves as Store Manager at Family Tree Nursery in Liberty, Missouri, where he leads retail operations, P&L management, marketing, and digital initiatives for a multi-site independent garden center. With eighteen years of experience in garden retail, Tanner previously held leadership roles at Colonial Gardens and Helmi’s Gardens, where he drove revenue growth and operational improvements. Tanner excels at strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and talent for building high-performing teams while blending horticultural knowledge with sound business acumen. Known for bringing people together to achieve common goals and genuine passion for the industry, Tanner brings both operational expertise and a forward-looking perspective to independent garden retail.

Javier Lopez Aguilar (Altman Plants – CA) serves as Head Grower at Altman Plants where he oversees large-scale plant production across greenhouse, shade house, and open-field operations, leading teams in crop management, integrated pest management, resource optimization, and regulatory compliance. With over a decade of progressive experience in the horticulture industry, Javier previously served as Technical Service Manager at Altman Plants and earlier as a Research Scholar in Horticulture at the University of Florida. He recently completed his MBA at California State University, strengthening his strategic and business leadership capabilities. Javier is recognized for his growth mindset, and commitment to developing teams while advancing sustainable production practices. He combines hands-on operational expertise with forward-thinking perspective in large-scale nursery production.

Kelly Nicholas (Dümmen Orange – OH) serves as Head of Technical Services – North America at Dümmen Orange, where she leads technical services and trial teams supporting growers while strengthening cross-functional collaboration with sales and production. With twenty-two years of experience spanning research, greenhouse production management, and technical services, Kelly previously held Head Grower and Facility Manager roles at Ball Horticultural Company and Midwest Groundcovers. She is known for clear communication and the ability to translate complex technical information into practical solutions. Kelly is committed to mentoring emerging professionals and bridging research with production realities and brings a strong foundation in horticultural science and customer-focused leadership to the green industry.

Jake Scott (Piedmont Feed & Garden Center – NC) serves as General Manager of Piedmont Feed & Garden Center where he oversees all aspects of store and garden center operations, staff leadership, purchasing, inventory, marketing, and customer education programs. With twelve years of experience in the horticulture industry, Jake previously managed a U.S. Top 100 Independent Garden Center and earlier taught high school horticulture while serving as an FFA Advisor. Jake is a relationship-focused leader with a strong focus on team development and creating career pathways in horticulture, and a commitment to positioning garden centers as vital community resources through educational programming and outreach.

Lindsay Squires (Tagawa Gardens – CO) serves as Community Development Manager at Tagawa Gardens where she leads staff development, community partnerships, public events, and education programs while fostering teamwork across departments and with external organizations. With thirteen years of progressive experience at Tagawa Gardens, Lindsay began in guest services and advanced into a management team role, guiding multi-generational teams through periods of growth, crisis, and organizational change. A communicator at heart, Lindsay is well-known for her thoughtful, relationship-focused approach, emotional intelligence, and talent for building authentic relationships. Lindsay is committed to developing people and strengthening the human connections that make independent garden centers thrive.

Abby Thompson (Acorn Farms – OH) has built a 25-year career spanning retail sales, production, logistics, and purchasing in the green industry. As Shipping Manager and Buyer of Finished Plant Material at Acorn Farms, Abby oversees inbound and outbound freight operations, supervises crews, manages vendor relationships, and recently stepped into management of the company’s re-wholesale yard. Abby has strong organizational skills, extensive plant knowledge, clear communication, and a collaborative problem-solving leadership style. She has given back to the industry as President of the Ohio Green Industry Association (OGIA) board and as the industry’s representative on the Ohio Department of Agriculture Invasive Plant Advisory Committee. Passionate about bridging generational knowledge gaps, mentoring the next generation, and advancing sustainable practices, Abby brings both deep operational experience and a forward-looking perspective to the HRI Leadership Academy.

These eleven professionals will join a select group of leaders who have completed the HRI Leadership Academy since its inception. The program continues to serve as a cornerstone for developing the strategic leadership the green industry needs to thrive. 

Applications for the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2028 will open in Fall 2026. To learn more about the program, eligibility, and the application process, visit www.hrileadershipacademy.org. 

About Horticultural Research Institute 

The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), founded in 1962, has provided more than $11 million in funds to research projects covering a broad range of industry issues. HRI is committed to supporting the horticultural industry’s ability to innovate, sustain essential functions, and respond effectively to challenges with research that can be practically applied in nurseries, greenhouses, retail garden centers, landscapes, and other green industry businesses. 

Headshot photos of HRI Leadership Academy class members are available here.