GGIA Celebrates 2026 Award Program Winners at Southeast Green

The Georgia Green Industry Association (GGIA) recognized some of the most impactful leaders, educators, and businesses in the industry during its annual awards program at Southeast Green, taking place June 9–11 in Athens, Georgia. The awards banquet was held on June 11.

Each year, GGIA’s awards highlight the people and organizations shaping the future of Georgia’s green industry—through leadership, innovation, education, and service. The 2026 honorees represent excellence across every corner of the industry.

🌳 Vivian Munday/Buck Jones Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award

Dwayne Moon

Dwayne Moon was recognized for a lifetime of dedication to the green industry. A respected leader, devoted family man, and person of strong faith, his work reflects a deep commitment to both people and the land.

“I am deeply honored to be the recipient of this award,” Moon said. “It validates all the hard work of the men and women of Moon’s Tree Farm and Southern Selections. It motivates me to continue to strive forward.”

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🌿 Jake Tinga Distinguished Professional of the Year

Melissa Riley

Melissa Riley, Central Region Area Horticulture Teacher for Georgia Agricultural Education, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to horticulture education. With more than 20 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to supporting teachers and inspiring students through hands-on learning, curriculum development, and leadership training.

She also serves as the National FFA Floriculture Career Development Event Superintendent and remains actively involved with GGIA.

“I’m very honored to receive this award, especially from an organization that does so much to support the future of the green industry,” Riley said. “This recognition means a great deal to me because it reflects the many mentors, educators, students, and industry professionals who have supported and worked alongside me over the years.”

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🌸 Rick Berry/Marc Richardson Green Industry Business of the Year Davis Floral

Michael Davis & Lisa Ayala-Davis

Davis Floral was honored as the 2026 Green Industry Business of the Year for its long-standing impact and evolution within the industry. Founded in 1964 with just six backyard greenhouses, the company has grown into a leader in vegetative propagation and finished plant production.

“We all work very hard in this industry, so it’s special to be recognized by those who know just how much work this takes,” the owners shared. “It’s incredibly special to receive this award named after Rick and Marc.”

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🌱 Jake Tinga Distinguished Young Professional of the Year

Rachel Holsenback

Rachel Holsenback was honored as this year’s Distinguished Young Professional. A 2021 graduate of Auburn University, she developed her passion for horticulture early and gained hands-on experience at the Donald E. Davis Arboretum. She has also managed a landscaping company and served as president of Auburn’s Landscape and Nursery Association.

“Receiving this award is an honor and a reminder of the responsibility we have to support and grow the next generation of professionals in our industry,” Holsenback said. “This recognition inspires me to keep pushing forward and helping others do the same.”

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🌎 Environmental Friend of the Industry

James Greenhouses

Leah and Ken James

Leah and Ken James was recognized as GGIA’s 2026 Environmental Friends of the Industry for their contributions to horticulture innovation and sustainable growing practices.

Graduates of the University of Georgia Horticulture program, the couple co-founded James Greenhouses in 1998, growing it from a two-person operation into a leading propagation facility serving customers across North America. Their work has helped advance research collaboration, workforce development, and new plant introductions throughout the industry.

In 2012, they expanded their environmental focus by launching James Greenroofs, now known as Horizon Roofscapes, to provide sustainable green roof solutions throughout the Southeast.

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🍎 Educator of the Year

Dr. Ping Yu

The Educator of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Ping Yu, assistant professor and Extension specialist in ornamental crop production at the University of Georgia. Through her research, teaching, and extension work, Dr. Yu focuses on improving production efficiency and sustainability in greenhouse and nursery operations. She also serves as GGIA’s faculty liaison and education chair, helping coordinate educational programming for Southeast Green and the Wintergreen on the Web series.

"Receiving the Educator of the Year Award from the Georgia Green Industry Association is both humbling and deeply meaningful to me,” Yu said. “It represents the trust and collaboration between educators and industry professionals working together to strengthen and advance Georgia’s green industry. Paying it forward is something I will continue striving to do.”

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🌼 Communicator of the Year

Dr. Ben Campbell

Dr. Ben Campbell, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Georgia, was recognized for his significant contributions to industry communication and outreach.

Since joining UGA in 2016, Campbell has focused on the economics of nursery, greenhouse, and turfgrass industries, producing more than 80 academic articles and over 100 extension publications. His work has reached audiences far beyond academia, with coverage in major media outlets and presentations to stakeholders and policymakers nationwide.

“Every day I do my best to make the industry better,” Campbell said. “So this award is extremely special to me as it tells me that at some level the industry is better off due to the efforts I have provided over the last decade.”

These award winners represent the passion, dedication, and innovation that continue to move Georgia’s green industry forward. From education and research to business leadership and lifelong service, their contributions are making a lasting impact across the state and beyond.

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About GGIA

The Georgia Green Industry Association (GGIA) is a statewide, nonprofit organization representing all sectors of the green industry, including growers, retailers, landscape professionals, suppliers, and educators. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, GGIA works to promote and strengthen Georgia’s horticulture industry.

Learn more at: www.ggia.org