2026 Board of Directors
Executive Committee
2026 President - Kathy Jentz
Kathy Jentz is editor and publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine, based in Washington, DC, and hosts the popular GardenDC Podcast. A life-long gardener, Kathy believes that growing plants should be stress-free and enjoyable. Her philosophy is inspiration over perspiration. She also serves as GardenComm's co-chair on the Education committee.
2026 Vice Presiden - Valerie Smith
Valerie Smith is a content strategist with Sod Solutions who writes and manages content on the Sod Solutions website for homeowners and manages a blog, newsletter and YouTube channel called Sod University. Her focus is on SEO, analytics, UX, and website content writing. Valerie has a master’s degree in professional communication and a bachelor’s degree in English publication studies from Clemson University. She also serves as GardenComm's co-chair on the Membership committee.
2026 Past President - C.L. Fornari
C.L. is a creative gardening expert (aka plant geek) who transitioned from artist to garden communicator in 1995. She is the author of eight books including her latest, Sand and Soil ~ Creating Beautiful Gardens on Cape Cod and the Islands, published by David R. Godine Inc.Directors
2026 Director at Large - Denise Schreiber
Denise Schreiber is a graduate of Community College of Allegheny College and Carlow University, she was the greenhouse manager and horticulturist for Allegheny County Parks in Pittsburgh before retiring, which covers over 12,000 acres of park land. She also serves as GardenComm's co-chair on the Education committee.
2026 Director - Derek Haynes
Derek has been a GardenComm member since speaking at the 2023 annual conference in Minneapolis, MN. With a background in Botany, and working in vaccine and therapeutics development using non-traditional plant-based technologies, Derek certainly practices what he preaches. Many know him as the Chocolate Botanist on his various social channels, who helps share accurate horticultural information and dispelling myths from untrained content creators.
2026 Director - Jennifer Ott
Jennifer, the heart behind My Thyme Gardens – a devoted guardian of flourishing ecosystems. Armed with a green thumb and a commitment to environmental stewardship, she provides tailored garden coaching, educational insights, and perennial designs. She has been a GardenComm member since 2023.
2026 Director - Jeff Lowenfels
Jeff is a highly respected and popular, national, garden writer, former President of the Garden Writers of America (now GardenComm), a Fellow and was inducted into the Hall of Fame, GardenComm's highest honor a member can achieve. Most important, Jeff is the founder of a now national program “Plant A Row for The Hungry.” The program is active in all 50 states and Canada and has resulted in millions of pounds of garden produce being donated to feed the hungry every year.
2026 Director - Erica Brown Grivas
Award-winning lifestyle journalist Erica Browne Grivas explores design, nature, and wellness, seeking to help both humans and the planet be happier and healthier. Her writing is featured in Birds and Blooms, the American Gardener, and the Seattle Times, among others. She has been writing - and gardening - for over 30 years.