AmericanHort expands DC Advocacy team staff

AmericanHort's Advocacy team has made some changes to its staff.

Matt Mika, vice president of advocacy and government affairs, has assumed leadership of AmericanHort's Washington, D.C.-based advocacy team, transitioning the role from longtime industry advocate Craig Regelbrugge.

Regelbrugge will continue in an important executive advisory role with AmericanHort, supporting its advocacy and research team but primarily focusing on phytosanitary/plant health and trade issues.

"Craig’s contributions to our industry cannot be overstated, and we appreciate Craig’s legacy of contribution to the industry. We are pleased to retain him in a role that utilizes his significant industry and association knowledge," AmericanHort said.

Mika joined AmericanHort in June 2023 with deep experience and relationships in D.C., having worked for elected officials, agriculture trade associations and industry companies, including Tyson, where he was director of its D.C. Advocacy program.

Mika spent the past six months traveling the industry, attending industry events, meeting members and learning more about the industry. Reach Mika at MattM@AmericanHort.org.

"We are excited to have Matt leading our advocacy capability and look forward to his contributions to the industry," AmericanHort said.

Rachel Pick has also joined AmericanHort as senior manager for advocacy and government affairs, reporting to Mika in AmericanHort's Washington, D.C. office.

An Iowa native, Pick brings significant experience in agricultural policy and government affairs. She served under U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), on staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture during Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s tenure, worked with the Senate Sergeant of Arms and most recently held a leadership role with U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action. Reach Pick at RachelP@AmericanHort.org.

AmericanHort's Advocacy team works to represent the industry with policy makers, government officials and partner organizations to ensure the green industry’s voice is represented in public policy, government affairs and industry research work.

"Our industry advocacy is more important than ever given the rapidly changing legislative and regulatory environment and election year politics affecting our industry. AmericanHort is committed to continue to develop our Advocacy capability to defend and enhance the business environment for our members," AmericanHort said.

AmericanHort’s foundation, the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), proudly supports scientific research and students for the advancement of the horticultural industry. HRI was established by industry leaders on the premise that no one could better direct needed research to advance horticulture than the very people who work in it every day. HRI and research are staffed by Jennifer Gray and Dr. Michael Martin.

© AmericanHort

As research programs administrator, Jennifer Gray leads all of HRI’s organizational activities. In this role, she assesses and manages the research needs and provides strategic leadership to HRI and AmericanHort for HRI’s multi-faceted research program. In addition to leading the HRI Board of Trustees, Jennifer oversees communication, outreach, and fundraising activities for HRI.

Prior to joining AmericanHort in 2013, Gray worked for the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association in multiple management roles, including executive director. She is passionate about horticulture and thrives on helping the industry grow.

Dr. Michael Martin leads all science, research and regulatory activities for AmericanHort and HRI as the science, research, and regulatory programs director.

© AmericanHort

Martin is responsible for providing comments and input for scientific topics and technical aspects. He also directs and facilitates the HRI research grant process, works with other granting agencies and organizations to limit potential duplication of research, and aids in advancing industry topics so the industry remains competitive and on the cutting edge with new ideas and technologies.

Martin also works closely with regulatory agencies, including EPA, USDA and other state and federal partners, to ensure the industry's interests and concerns are met. Martin is a native plant enthusiast with a deep-seated love for all things Amsonia.