(Baltimore, MD) -- Brian Smith AIFD of Fusion: The Art of Flowers in Portland, Ore., was installed as president of the prestigious American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) during the organization's acclaimed 2005 National Symposium held in Seattle (July 2-6). He succeeds Eddie Payne AIFD of Marion Smith Florist in Zephyrhills, Fla. as the volunteer leader of the floral industry's leading design education and accreditation membership group.

Installed as president-elect of AIFD was Chris Norwood AIFD of Tipton & Hurst Florist in Little Rock, Ark. Tom Simmons AIFD of Scentiments in Venice, Calif. was installed as AIFD's new vice president.

Marking a first for the organization, Sylvia Bird AIFD became the first non-American designer to serve as an officer on the Institute's Board of Directors. Bird, a freelance designer from Middlesex, England, was elected and installed as AIFD's new secretary and Tim Farrell AIFD of Farrell's Florist in Drexel Hill, Pa. continues to serve as treasurer.
Rounding out the AIFD Executive Committee for the coming year will be Michelle Perry White AIFD, a freelance director from Double Oak, Texas who will serve as chairwoman of the AIFD Membership Committee and Ann Benjamin AIFD of Flora Magazine in Rio Rancho, N.M., who will serve as chairwoman of the 2006 AIFD National Symposium. The National Symposium, "Phenomenon," will be held in Washington, DC, July 4-8, 2006.

Also serving as volunteer leaders for AIFD are the members of its Board of Directors who include: Jacquelin Dannemiller AIFD of Tualatin, Ore.; Mark Erickson AIFD of The Oklahoma Flower Market, Oklahoma, Okla.; Walter Fedyshyn AIFD of of Zuverink Fine Silk Botanicals, Chicago, Ill.; Sharon McGukin AIFD of Carrollton, Ga.; Lori Novak AIFD of Archibald Flowers in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Lottie Nys AIFD, freelance designer, Owasso, Okla.; Emmett O'Dell AIFD of Avanti Partners in Orlando, Fla.; Kurt Schroeder AIFD of Floralife in Walterboro, S.C.; David Siders AIFD of Experience and Creative Design in Schenectady, N.Y.; and Tina Stoecker of Designs of the Times Florists in Melbourne, Fla.

Thomas C. Shaner, CAE, continues as AIFD's executive director. AIFD is headquartered in Baltimore, Md.

AIFD was established in 1965 and is dedicated to recognizing and promoting the art of
floral design as a professional career. It is the floral industry's leading nonprofit organization committed to establishing and maintaining higher standards in professional floral design. With over 1,300 members worldwide, AIFD and its members are in the forefront of the industry in presenting educational and design programs.

Accredited Membership in AIFD is selective. To be accredited, a floral designer must fulfill rigid qualifications and demonstrate advanced professional ability. They must also maintain the Accreditation by meeting certain minimum continuing education requirements. Members are distinguished by the letters "AIFD" used as an addendum to their name. Click here for information on the AIFD Accreditation process. Further information on the 2006 Symposium can be accessed by clicking here.