CEO & President

BEST Human Capital & Advisory Group • Columbus, OH

10h • $200,000 - $280,000

About The Position

The AmericanHort Association is seeking a President & Chief Executive Officer to build upon the solid foundation of one of the leading industry trade associations in advancing the organization’s advocacy of the Horticulture industry.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading diverse organizations, associations, or mission-driven enterprises.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, build alignment, and make sound decisions.
• Executive presence that inspires confidence among Boards, members, partners, and staff.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to set priorities and focus organizational effort.
• Financial acumen, including experience with budgets, financial statements, and long-term sustainability.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to clearly and persuasively articulate value, strategy, and impact.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; effective listener and collaborator.
• Experience collaborating with policymakers, regulators, or external stakeholders.
• Comfort serving as a public-facing leader and spokesperson.
• Ability to navigate politically complex environments with professionalism and integrity.
• Familiarity with horticulture, agriculture, the green industry, or related sectors is valued.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively for association and industry events.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required, with an advanced degree preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with or leading a 501(c)(3) organization, including interaction with an independent Board, fundraising, and fiduciary oversight, is strongly preferred.
• Candidates from adjacent industries or association leadership backgrounds with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn and engage will be strongly considered.
• Ability to balance innovation with operational discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a clear, compelling strategic vision aligned with member needs and industry trends.
• Translate strategy into measurable priorities, outcomes, and organizational focus.
• Anticipate and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities affecting the horticulture industry.
• Partner effectively with the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and key committees to support strong governance and decision-making.
• Build trust-based relationships with volunteer leaders and engage them meaningfully in advancing the organization’s work.
• Support and coordinate governance activities of the HRI Board, ensuring clear role definition, transparency, and alignment between staff leadership and Board oversight.
• Demonstrated experience providing executive oversight and strategic leadership for large-scale trade shows, conferences, and industry events that serve as flagship programs and major revenue drivers for an organization.
• Proven ability to guide the successful management and continuous evolution of comprehensive educational programming, including conferences, workshops, webinars, certifications, leadership development offerings, and professional education initiatives.
• Experience balancing program quality, member value, financial performance, and operational execution in collaboration with staff leaders, volunteer committees, and external partners.
• Understanding of how events and education advance member engagement, brand visibility, industry influence, and long-term organizational sustainability.
• Help provide issue development and a strong voice for AmericanHort and its members with policymakers, regulators, coalition partners, and allied organizations.
• Guide federal and state advocacy strategies in collaboration with staff, Board leaders, and external partners.
• Represent the organization with credibility, confidence, and diplomacy across diverse audiences.
• Provide executive leadership and staff oversight for HRI’s research agenda, grantmaking, scholarship programs, and leadership development initiatives.
• Ensure the quality, relevance, and impact of programs such as the HRI Leadership Academy.
• Serve as a visible champion for industry research, education, and leadership development.
• Clearly articulate and communicate AmericanHort’s value proposition to members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Strengthen member engagement, retention, and growth across diverse industry segments.
• Foster strong relationships with industry leaders, state associations, and partner organizations.
• Ensure the long-term financial health and sustainability of both AmericanHort and HRI.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, investment oversight, and risk management for the association and its foundation.
• Ensure fundraising strategy and donor engagement efforts supporting research, scholarships, and leadership development.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a capable, mission-aligned senior leadership team.
• Promote a positive and high-performance organizational culture.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, HAS/FSA
• 401K
• Life and Disability Insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive