BEST Human Capital & Advisory Group · 22 hours ago
Chief Executive Officer
Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Area
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$200K/yr - $280K/yrBEST Human Capital & Advisory Group partnered with the AmericanHort Association is seeking a President & Chief Executive Officer to lead one of the leading industry trade associations in advancing the horticulture industry. The CEO will be responsible for strategic leadership, member engagement, and financial sustainability while representing the organization at the national level.
Management Consulting
Hiring Manager
Todd Downing
Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of a clear, compelling strategic vision aligned with member needs and industry trends
Translate strategy into measurable priorities, outcomes, and organizational focus
Anticipate and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities affecting the horticulture industry
Partner effectively with the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and key committees to support strong governance and decision-making
Build trust-based relationships with volunteer leaders and engage them meaningfully in advancing the organization’s work
Support and coordinate governance activities of the HRI Board, ensuring clear role definition, transparency, and alignment between staff leadership and Board oversight
Demonstrated experience providing executive oversight and strategic leadership for large-scale trade shows, conferences, and industry events that serve as flagship programs and major revenue drivers for an organization
Proven ability to guide the successful management and continuous evolution of comprehensive educational programming, including conferences, workshops, webinars, certifications, leadership development offerings, and professional education initiatives
Experience balancing program quality, member value, financial performance, and operational execution in collaboration with staff leaders, volunteer committees, and external partners
Understanding of how events and education advance member engagement, brand visibility, industry influence, and long-term organizational sustainability
Help provide issue development and a strong voice for AmericanHort and its members with policymakers, regulators, coalition partners, and allied organizations
Guide federal and state advocacy strategies in collaboration with staff, Board leaders, and external partners
Represent the organization with credibility, confidence, and diplomacy across diverse audiences
Provide executive leadership and staff oversight for HRI’s research agenda, grantmaking, scholarship programs, and leadership development initiatives
Ensure the quality, relevance, and impact of programs such as the HRI Leadership Academy
Serve as a visible champion for industry research, education, and leadership development
Clearly articulate and communicate AmericanHort’s value proposition to members, partners, and stakeholders
Strengthen member engagement, retention, and growth across diverse industry segments
Foster strong relationships with industry leaders, state associations, and partner organizations
Ensure the long-term financial health and sustainability of both AmericanHort and HRI
Oversee budgeting, financial planning, investment oversight, and risk management for the association and its foundation
Ensure fundraising strategy and donor engagement efforts supporting research, scholarships, and leadership development
Lead, mentor, and develop a capable, mission-aligned senior leadership team
Promote a positive and high-performance organizational culture
Qualification
Required
Proven experience leading diverse organizations, associations, or mission-driven enterprises
Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, build alignment, and make sound decisions
Executive presence that inspires confidence among Boards, members, partners, and staff
Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to set priorities and focus organizational effort
Financial acumen, including experience with budgets, financial statements, and long-term sustainability
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Ability to clearly and persuasively articulate value, strategy, and impact
Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; effective listener and collaborator
Experience collaborating with policymakers, regulators, or external stakeholders
Comfort serving as a public-facing leader and spokesperson
Ability to navigate politically complex environments with professionalism and integrity
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required
Willingness and ability to travel extensively for association and industry events
Preferred
Experience working with or leading a 501(c)(3) organization, including interaction with an independent Board, fundraising, and fiduciary oversight
Familiarity with horticulture, agriculture, the green industry, or related sectors is valued
Candidates from adjacent industries or association leadership backgrounds with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn and engage will be strongly considered
Advanced degree preferred
Benefits
Comprehensive Benefits Package including Health, Dental, Vision, HAS/FSA
401K
Life and Disability Insurance
Company
BEST Human Capital & Advisory Group
BHCA Group is a business advisory/consulting and retained executive search firm that specializes in small-to-medium-sized companies.
Founded in 2017
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Christopher Cimaglio
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Joni Downing
Managing Partner, CFO & Co-Founder
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