Meet Your New President

Steve Foltz, Director of Horticulture at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, is the newly elected President of the International Plant Production Society Eastern Region. Steve introduces himself and shares his personal and career background including how he came to be involved in IPPS. "I have gotten so much out of IPPS over the years, it is time to give something back!"

Dual Awards of Merit Presented!

The 2025 Awards of Merit were presented to Margot Bridgen and Dr. Mark Bridgen during the ER Annual Conference in Louisville, KY. The awards honor their decades of shared dedication to the IPPS Eastern Region and to the advancement of horticultural science and education.

Margot Bridgen served as the IPPS-ER Executive Secretary/Treasurer for 26 years, guiding the organization with integrity, loyalty and deep personal commitment. Upon her retirement in 2020, the IPPS Foundation established the Margot Bridgen Scholarship to honor her enduring impact and devotion to the Society.

Dr. Mark Bridgen, Professor of Horticulture at Cornell University's Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center, has been an IPPS-ER member since 1981. His contributions as educator, researcher, and long-time volunteer on multiple committees as well as the ER Foundation Board have advanced both the science and community of plant propagation. An IPPSER Fellow and current First Vice President of the Eastern Region, Mark's behind-the-scenes support, technical expertise and steadfast commitment of over 44 years have been invaluable to the organization's success.

Together, Margot and Mark exemplify the heart of IPPS: dedication, service and shared passion for plants and people. Congratulations!

Liz Erickson Named a Fellow of the Eastern Region

The 2025 IPPS Eastern Region Fellow Award was presented to Liz Dunham Erickson, President of Knight Hollow nursery in Middleton, Wisconsin. A lifelong IPPS member, Liz embodies the "seek and share" spirit through her decades of involvement, from serving on committees, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Board, to organizing local area meetings, micromeetings, and multiple annual conferences. She currently represents the Eastern Region as an International Delegate and is actively coordinating the 2026 International Tour.

At Knight Hollow Nursery, Liz has guided the family's tissue culture laboratory into new collaborations with breeders and brands while keeping micropropagation accessible to growers through acclimated plug production and flexible delivery programs. Known for her hands-on leadership and people-first approach, Liz continues to strengthen connections across the nursery trade. IPPSER is proud to recognize her extraordinary service, professionalism, and friendship with this year's Fellow Award. Congratulations, Liz! (pictured above with Matt Palmieri, Recognition Committee Chair)