Art Van Wingerden, an executive at Huntersville's Metrolina Greenhouses, will take over as chairman of the American Floral Endowment on Sept. 1, 2026, leading the national nonprofit that funds floriculture research, scholarships and education.

The term lasts two years.

Van Wingerden succeeds outgoing chair David Garcia of Pete Garcia Company/Garcia Group, according to Garden Center magazine. Garcia will remain on the board as past chair for an additional two years.

At Metrolina, Van Wingerden oversees production, growing, contract growing and labor. The company, founded in 1972 by his parents Tom and Vickie VanWingerden, operates more than 200 acres of greenhouses under glass at 16400 Huntersville Concord Road. It's the nation's largest single-site heated greenhouse.

The operation ships more than 70 million plants annually to over 1,400 retail locations across 19 states, including Lowe's, Home Depot and Walmart. Metrolina employs more than 800 full-time workers and adds 400 seasonal employees during peak production, making it one of Huntersville's largest employers.

Metrolina Greenhouses said in a LinkedIn post that it is proud of Van Wingerden's appointment and expects him to advance horticultural research and education in the role.

The appointment marks the second major national industry leadership role for a Metrolina executive this year. Sales director Derek Clark was separately named incoming board chair of AmericanHort for the 2026–2027 term.

The AFE, founded in 1961, funds more than 30 students through scholarships and internships in 2026 and supports research projects at universities nationwide. The organization's 2026 R.I.S.E. to Support fundraising campaign raised more than $150,000 from over 130 donors, surpassing its $120,000 goal in what AFE called its most successful campaign ever.

"This year's campaign reflects the power of industry involvement," Garcia said. "The record level of participation shows that our industry understands the importance of investing in what comes next."

Four new trustees will also join the AFE board on Sept. 1, including Dennis DeBaltzo of A-ROO Company, Nicholas Fronduto of Jacobson Floral Supply, Nathan Jahnke of Ball Horticultural Company and Vonda LaFever of Flower Clique.