Forest Hill, MD (June 15, 2021) – The American Institute of Floral Designers® (AIFD®) is pleased to announce that Jalene Bowersmith, CAE has joined the Institute as Executive Director. Jalene brings more than 20 years of non-profit management experience, including her most recent experience as Executive Director of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation & Learning, in Raleigh, NC. She has also worked with the Association of International Certified Public Accountants. Jalene will succeed Kristen Philips, CAE as AIFD’s Executive Director. After 16 years with AIFD, 6 as the Executive Director, Kristen has accepted a position as Executive Director with another organization within Stringfellow Management Group. Her innovative and steady leadership has led to impressive growth and diversification for AIFD and helped guide AIFD through the recent challenges of the pandemic. AIFD wishes Kristen much success in her next chapter. AIFD President Jackie Lacey AIFD, CFD, AAF, PFCI stated “We are grateful for Kristen’s leadership and guidance and wish her well. We look forward to working with Jalene. We are impressed by the breadth of association management experience she brings to this position, including her work with large international organizations and global development. Jalene has an excellent track record of sustained membership growth, developing education and training programs and overall governance best practices.” For information on AIFD visit the website at AIFD.org. ### About the American Institute of Floral Designers The mission of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) is to advance the art of professional floral design through education, service and leadership, and to recognize the achievement of excellence in this art form. Established in 1965 AIFD is, today, the floral industry’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to establishing, maintaining and recognizing the highest standard of professional floral design. AIFD and its accredited members are in the forefront of the industry in presenting educational design programs and in designing flowers for events worldwide. Find more information at aifd.org. Media contact: Amie Goscinski Director of Communications and Marketing agoscinski@stringfellowgroup.net 443-966-3850 x1144