The Center for Plant Excellence is guided by a Board of Directors composed of industry leaders and institutional representatives who help shape the Center’s strategic direction and funding priorities.

Industry Representatives

  • Christmas Trees - Preston Fleming, Flemings Tree Farm
  • Floriculture - Amanda Bastiaance, Quality Greenhouses
  • Hardwoods - Kenny Kane, Generations Forestry
  • Hemp - Dr. Carla Garzon, Delaware Valley University
  • Landscape - Ted Ventre, Hively Landscapes
  • Nursery Crops - Chris Uhland, Harmony Hill Nursery
  • Native Plants - Jim MacKenzie, Octoraro Nursery
  • Public Gardens - Paul Redman, Longwood Gardens
  • Tree Fruit - Leighton Rice, R&L Orchards
  • Vegetables & Small Fruit - Art King, Harvest Valley Farms
  • Vineyards - Jan Waltz, Waltz Vineyards

Institutional Representatives

  • Acting Deputy Secretary for Plant Industry - Chris Davis
  • Penn State Extension Assistant Director of Programs for Horticulture - Mike Masiuk
  • Department of Plant Pathology, Penn State University - Maria Del Mar Jimenez Gasco
  • Interim Director, Center for Plant Excellence - Miranda Harple