MEET THE BOARD
OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
DR. MARK BRIDGEN
LIFGA PRESIDENT
Professor; Director, Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center
Mark’s extensive academic, field knowledge and years of dedication in the horticultural industry delivers a unique focus to the LIFGA organization. His cut flower cultivar creations earned him being named Fulbright Scholar in 2013, where he spent a semester studying Alstroemeria flowers in Santiago, Chile. As Director of LIHREC his primary research interests are in the areas of new plant development and breeding, plant cell and tissue culture, plant environment interactions, in vitro plant breeding, and plant propagation.
JOHN AUWAERTER
LIFGA PRESIDENT
Sales Associate at Bayport Flower Houses.
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integration, and operations support. Her diverse skill set has achieved her the role of Technical Liaison for web projects,
QENDRIM PECI
LIFGA VICE PRESIDENT
Head Grower; Kurt Weiss Greenhouses.
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integration, and operations support. Her diverse skill set has achieved her the role of Technical Liaison for web projects,
MELISSA DORCINVIL
LIFGA VICE-PRESIDENT
Sale Representative, Long Island; Vaughan’s Horticulture
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LIFGA President 2011-2013
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DIANE HANWICK
LIFGA TREASURER & SECRETARY
Adminstrative Support; Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center
Diane’s background at LIHREC has provided her many successful years in project management, computer systems integration, and operations support. Her diverse skill set has achieved her the role of Technical Liaison for web projects, which includes the Long Island Chapter website of the PlantSomething National campaign. Other duties include: Account management, Event planning, Member relations and Bookkeeping.
BOARD MEMBERS & ADVISORS
BIANCA SULLIVAN
Board Member
President; Colorful Gardens Wholesale and Patio Partners.
LIFGA President 2015-2017;
MELISSA DORCINVIL
Board Member
Sales Representative, Long Island; Vaughan’s Horticulture
LIFGA President 2019-2021;
JOSEPH KHUDARI
Board Member
President; Joseph’s Garden & Greenhouses. ppppppppp
LIFGA President 2013-2015;
WALTER BISSEX
Board Member
Field Representative, Long Island; CT, Westchester County, NY. Easton Horticultural Company.
LIFGA President 2011-2015
MARK BRIDGEN
Board Member
Professor; Director, Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center
Cornell University
NORA CATLIN
Board Member
Agriculture Program Director/Floriculture Specialist;
Cornell Cooperative Extension
KRYSTYNA RECKNER
Board Member
Owner: Reckner Greenhouses.
LIFGA President 2022-2023;
LIFGA President 2011-2015
JUSTIN BAKEWICZ
Board Member
Owner; Bakewicz Farms..
LIFGA President 2011-2015
KAITLYN ANDERSEN
Board Member
LIFGA President 2011-2015
JESSE MAY
Board Member
Greenhouse production at Whitmores in East Hampton
LIFGA President 2011-2015
DAISY LAROM
Board Member
Sales Associate: Griffin Greenhouse and Nursery Supplies
LIFGA President 2011-2015
JESSE MAY
Board Member
Greenhouse production at Whitmores in East Hampton
LIFGA President 2011-2015
DAISY LAROM
Board Member
Sales Associate: Griffin Greenhouse and Nursery Supplies
LIFGA President 2011-2015