OFA hires two new managers

OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals announced it has named Adriana Quiñones-Riccardi manager, Education & Events and Jeff Heimberger manager, Information Technology. Quiñones-Riccardi will help develop and implement online and in-person educational programs whereas Heimberger will manage the association’s technology resources.

“OFA is growing, and we want to ensure that our organization is well prepared to help members be successful. As our relationship with the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) evolves, the need for additional educational and networking opportunities has expanded,” said Michael V. Geary, CEO of both OFA and ANLA. “Additionally, in this rapidly changing business envelopment, the requirement for strong information systems has never been greater. That’s why we are devoting full-time staff resources to managing our information, developing strong technology programs and processes, and developing methods to help our members be successful by using technology.”

Quiñones-Riccardi has experience as a nursery propagator, plant records manager, lecturer, curriculum developer and volunteer program manager. She received both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in horticulture and crop science from The Ohio State University.

Headshot: Adriana Quiñones-Riccardi

“Because I am from the industry I was well aware of OFA, the Short Course, and its other events,” she said. “I’m very excited to be on the team now, and I look forward to developing additional innovative learning opportunities for members.”

Heimberger returns to his home state following a career in information technology in California. He has a degree in information systems and nearly 10 years’ experience in managing multiple network systems.

Headshot: Jeff Heimberger

“There is great opportunity to expand OFA’s technology capabilities so it is well prepared for the future,” said Heimberger. “Technology is changing rapidly, and I’m excited to help OFA be a leader at connecting the industry and delivering services.”