(Baltimore, MD) -- Chris Norwood AIFD of Tipton & Hurst Florist in Little Rock, Ark., was installed as president of the prestigious American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) during the organization's acclaimed 2006 National Symposium held in Washington, D.C. (July 4-8). He succeeds Brian Smith AIFD of Fusion: The Art of Flowers in Portland, Ore. as the volunteer leader of the floral industry's leading design education and accreditation membership group.

Installed as president-elect of AIFD was Tom Simmons AIFD of Artisan Event Floral Decor in Palm Springs, Calif. Walter Fedyshyn AIFD of Zuverink Fine Silk Botanicals in Chicago, Ill. sas installed as AIFD's new vice president.

Lottie Nys AIFD, a freelance designer from Owasso, Okla., was elected and installed as AIFD's new secretary and Alison Novak AIFD of Flora Scape in Springfield, Ill. was also installed as treasurer.

Rounding out the AIFD Executive Committee for the coming year will be Michelle Perry White AIFD, a freelance designer from Double Oak, Texas who will serve as chair of the AIFD Membership Committee and Derrick Vasquez AIFD of NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, Calif., who will serve as chair of the 2007 AIFD National Symposium. The National Symposium, "The Edge of Paradise," will be held in Palm Desert, Calif., July 7-11, 2007.

Also serving as volunteer leaders for AIFD are the members of its Board of Directors who include: Sylvia Bird AIFD a freelance designer from Surrey, England; Tom Bowling AIFD a freelance designer from Fairfield, Ohio; Lisa Brennan AIFD of Riverside Florist in Appleton, Wis.; Mark Erickson AIFD of The Oklahoma Flower Market, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Ana Hunt AIFD of Pacific Rim Import Corp. in Seattle, Wash.; Sharon McGukin AIFD, freelance designer, Carrollton, Ga.; Lori Novak AIFD of Archibald Flowers in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Emmett O'Dell AIFD of Avanti Partners in Orlando, Fla.; Julie Poeltler AIFD of Fountain of Flowers & Gifts, Lone Tree, Iowa; 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 2007 Symposium can be accessed by clicking here.