A native of North Carolina, Dr. Charlie Hall received a B.S. in AgriculturalEconomics from the University of Tennessee in 1984, a Master's Degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design from the University of Tennessee in 1986, and his Ph.D. from Mississippi State University. He began his academic career at Texas A&M University in 1988, where he spent 13 years on the faculty before joining the faculty at the University of Tennessee in 2002. In August 2007, Dr. Hall returned to Texas A&M University as Professor and Ellison Chair in International Floriculture.

Dr. Hall's expertise is in the production and marketing of Green Industry crops. He is nationally recognized in academia and among the horticultural clientele he serves. His major research, teaching, & extension areas of specialization include strategic management, market situation/outlook, cost accounting, and financial analysis for Green Industry firms.

Dr. Hall currently serves as the Chief Economist for American Hort and Co-Chair of the Advisory Council of Seed Your Future. He is former President and Past-President of the board of directors for America in Bloom. He received the Paul Ecke, Jr. award from the Society of American Florists for professional contributions to the floral industry and the Porter Henegar Memorial Award from the Southern Nursery Association for significant contributions to ornamental horticulture research and to the Southern Nursery Association.

He is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association and has received TNLA’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Nursery Industry. He is also a member of the Hall of Fame and Honorary Lifetime Member of the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association. Dr. Hall has received Texas A&M University’s Association of Former Students’Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching and the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Student Counseling and Relations. He is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity and has received their Grand Presidents Award and Brother of the Century designation. 

Dr. Joe Bischoff is SAF’s senior lobbyist and a member of the agriculture and natural resources team at Cornerstone Government Affairs. His work focuses on the intersection of federal programs and the pursuit of science-based solutions to plant health and crop production challenges. Dr. Bischoff has served on a number of scientific committees including the National Invasive Species Council’s Invasive Species Advisory Committee and the National Clean Plant Network. Previously, Dr. Bischoff was with the USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service where he was National Mycologist and Lead Scientist on the APHIS Intercepted Plant Pathogen Sequence Initiative.

Originally a journalist, Carrie’s journey into the floral world started as a holiday helper at the flower shop next door. After needing a career change, Carrie started working at Jenny’s Floral as a sales associate. From there, she began designing and eventually moved up to manager. In2022, Carrie purchased Jenny’s Floral. On April 1, 2025, the business transitioned to a flower/book store called Petals & Pages.

Carrie is a South Dakota Certified Florist and a member of the American Academy ofFloriculture. Carrie is also on the board of the South Dakota Florist Association and has presented programs at a state level. She is also involved in her community, using flowers and horticulture as an educational tool to local school groups, FFA and 4H students and other organizations.

In her free time, Carrie enjoys traveling, reading, and volunteering.

Tracy Parke is a fourth-generation florist and proud manager of House of Flora Flower Market in Hartford, Connecticut. Deeply devoted to her family and community, she keeps the legacy of their small, family-run flower shop moving forward. Tracy is also a living kidney donor—giving the gift of life to her father, the shop’s owner—embodying the same love and dedication she brings to her work.   

A native of North Carolina, Dr. Charlie Hall received a B.S. in AgriculturalEconomics from the University of Tennessee in 1984, a Master's Degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design from the University of Tennessee in 1986, and his Ph.D. from Mississippi State University. He began his academic career at Texas A&M University in 1988, where he spent 13 years on the faculty before joining the faculty at the University of Tennessee in 2002. In August 2007, Dr. Hall returned to Texas A&M University as Professor and Ellison Chair in International Floriculture.

Dr. Hall's expertise is in the production and marketing of Green Industry crops. He is nationally recognized in academia and among the horticultural clientele he serves. His major research, teaching, & extension areas of specialization include strategic management, market situation/outlook, cost accounting, and financial analysis for Green Industry firms.

Dr. Hall currently serves as the Chief Economist for American Hort and Co-Chair of the Advisory Council of Seed Your Future. He is former President and Past-President of the board of directors for America in Bloom. He received the Paul Ecke, Jr. award from the Society of American Florists for professional contributions to the floral industry and the Porter Henegar Memorial Award from the Southern Nursery Association for significant contributions to ornamental horticulture research and to the Southern Nursery Association.

He is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association and has received TNLA’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Nursery Industry. He is also a member of the Hall of Fame and Honorary Lifetime Member of the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association. Dr. Hall has received Texas A&M University’s Association of Former Students’Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching and the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Student Counseling and Relations. He is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity and has received their Grand Presidents Award and Brother of the Century designation.