FNGLA Staff

Executive Team

Chief Executive Officer

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Tal Coley

TColey@fngla.org

Tal serves as FNGLA's Chief Executive Officer and oversees Legislative & Regulatory Affairs. Tal is also FNGLA's spokesperson for and liaison to FNGLA's Divisions.

Chief Operating Officer

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Linda Adams

ladams@fngla.org

Linda provides senior management of FNGLA's tradeshows and convention. Linda also serves as FNGLA's official historian.

Chief Financial Officer

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Eddie Singh

esingh@fngla.org

Eddie joined the FNGLA team in 1994 and manages FNGLA's financial operations. Raised in Guyana, South America, Eddie came to the U.S. in the 70's and attended high school and college in New York. Eddie enjoys gardening on the weekends.

Communications and Public Relations

Director of Strategy, Marketing and Communications

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Kate Clary

kclary@fngla.org

Kate manages FNGLA's social media profiles, content management systems, and digital assets. She also works closely with FNGLA's Education and Career Development departments to strategically advance their efforts. A doctoral student at the University of Florida's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Kate is working toward her Ph.D. in Agricultural Communication. In addition, Kate holds both a Master of Arts degree in Global Strategic Communication, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Magazine Journalism from the University of Florida. She is also certified in Advanced Google Analytics. Kate is also a proud graduate of Stetson University's 2015 Leadership West Volusia program.

Communications Manager

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Shannon Fry

SFry@fngla.org

Shannon assists in strengthening FNGLA’s impressive portfolio of digital media channels including websites, social media and email newsletters. Shannon’s previous communications and marketing experience includes stops at AgAmerica, the University of Florida, and Farm Credit of Central Florida. Shannon is also a graduate of UF's Agricultural Education and Communication department. Shannon enjoys reading, riding her bicycle around lakes in downtown Lakeland, and rooting for the Florida Gators.

Continuing Education and Career Development

Director of Certifications and Career Development

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Merry Mott

mmott@fngla.org

Merry joined the FNGLA family in 1994 and manages FNGLA's six professional certifications. Merry is a University of Florida graduate having earned her B.S. in Journalism. Merry is an excellent marksman and a foodie.

Director of Education

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Linda Reindl

lreindl@fngla.org

Linda joined FNGLA's staff in 1993. She manages FNGLA's development and delivery of educational programs and is the administrator for the National Horticulture Foundation (NHF). Linda was born and raised in Wisconsin and earned a B.S. in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and a Minor in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin/La Crosse.

Certification Manager

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Gary Weitermann

Gweitermann@fngla.org

Gary Weitermann, FCHP, FCLMT, has served in the past as the chairperson of FNGLA’s Certification Committee, as well as the creator of FNGLA’s Certification Plant ID Showcase at The Landscape Show and TPIE. Gary was the recipient of FNGLA’s 2019 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award. Gary comes to FNGLA from SeaWorld Horticulture where he was an assistant supervisor for 11 years. Gary also secured SeaWorld as a Central Florida test site for FNGLA’s certification exams.

 

Trade Shows

Trade Show Exhibits Manager

Jason Ernst

Jason Ernst

JErnst@fngla.org

Jason works with FNGLA’s trade show exhibitors focusing on trade show logistics and operations. He was born in Arlington Heights, IL and is a graduate of the University of Hartford where he earned a bachelor’s in music education. Over his 14-year teaching career, he orchestrated many district-wide and state events. Jason also enjoys hiking, traveling, singing, performing, taking care of his yard, and spending time with his family and friends.

Finance and Administration

Director of Information Technology

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Wayne Strauss

wstrauss@fngla.org

Wayne joined the FNGLA team in 2004. He is responsible for FNGLA's information technology operations. Wayne earned degrees in Electronics/Computer Technology and Business from Florida Technical College. Wayne enjoys edible gardening, is an excellent cook and a tried and true family man.

Financial Accounts Coordinator

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Toni Wise

twise@fngla.org

Toni started with FNGLA in 2005. Raised in Missouri, Toni graduated from Missouri Western State University with a B.S. in Management. She coordinates FNGLA's financial accounts and invoicing. Toni enjoys vacationing in the Hawaiian islands with her husband. She's also a proud cat momma.

Administrative Assistant

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U'Landa Beasley

Ubeasley@fngla.org

A "Seinfeld" buff, U'Landa sits at the helm of the front reception area serving as Administrative Assistant for FNGLA. She assists staff with various projects, processes certification and membership renewals and is most often the friendly voice one hears when calling the FNGLA offices. U'Landa enjoys attending comedy shows and spending time with her children.

Member Services

Director of Exhibit Sales & Business Development

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Billy Deal

bdeal@fngla.org

Billy manages FNGLA's relationships with exhibitors, sponsors and advertisers. He’s a familiar face across nearly all of the Association’s industry events including chapter meetings, trade shows – and his personal favorite, the Action Chapter’s annual chili cook-off. A fifth-generation Central Floridian, Billy is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with degrees in both marketing and horticulture. Billy comes to FNGLA with a wealth of industry experience stemming back more than 20 years as a foliage and woody grower and sales professional.  On days he is not out running long distances, he can be found in his garden, kitchen or behind a grill entertaining friends and family.

Membership Manager

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Sandra Pellerin

Spellerin@fngla.org

Sandra joined the FNGLA team in April 2018 to serve in a variety of tasks including chapter support, member recruiting and retention. A Belmont, Massachusetts native, Sandra attended UMASS Amherst and the University of Central Florida where she majored in hospitality management. In her spare time, she enjoys interior and exterior design and taking in a little sunshine at the beach. 

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