(Baltimore, MD) - Walter Fedyshyn AIFD PFCI (pictured right) of Anthony Gowder Designs in Chicago, Ill., was installed as president of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) during the organization's 2008 National Symposium held in Chicago (July 3-7). He succeeds Tom Simmons AIFD of Three Bunch Palms Productions in Palm Springs, Calif. as the volunteer leader of the floral industry's leading organization in design education.

Installed as president-elect of AIFD was Tina Stoecker AIFD PFCI of Designs of the Times Florist in Melbourne, Fla. Sharon McGukin AIFD PFCI, a freelance instructional designer and floral commentator from Carrollton, Ga., was installed as AIFD's new vice president.

Ann Jordan AIFD PFCI of Ann Jordan Design Consulting in Naples, Maine was elected and installed as the Institute's new secretary. Rich Salvaggio AIFD PFCI of Teleflora in Los Angeles, Calif. will continue to serve as treasurer of the Institute.

Rounding out the AIFD Executive Committee for the coming year will be Ted Bruehl AIFD of The Chocolate Rose in Irving, Texas who will serve as chair of the AIFD Membership Committee and Lou Lynne Moss AIFD of The Flower Shoppe in Pratt, Kan., who will serve as chair of the 2009 AIFD National Symposium, "The Sky's the Limit," to be held July 11-16 in Kansas City, Mo.

Also serving as volunteer leaders for AIFD are the members of its Board of Directors who include: Gerard Toh AIFD of Sherman Oaks Florist in Sherman Oaks, Calif.; Tom Bowling AIFD a freelance designer from Fairfield, Ohio; Lisa Brennan AIFD, a freelance designer in Appleton, Wis.; Mary Linda Horn AIFD, freelance designer, Ostrander, Ohio; Paul Jaras AIFD of Flourish by Design in Calgary, Canada; Lori Novak AIFD of Archibald Flowers in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Lottie Nys AIFD, freelance designer, Owasso, Okla.; John Kittinger AIFD of The Best of Flowers in Lexington, Ky.; Julie Poeltler AIFD of Fountain of Flowers & Gifts, Lone Tree, Iowa; and Anthony Vigliotta AIFD of Anthos Design in Los Angeles, Calif.

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. For information on the AIFD Accreditation process or on its 2007 Symposium, please contact AIFD at 410-752-3318.