Memorial Day Flowers Foundation Welcomes New Members to the Board of Directors
The last twelve months have been the most challenging since we started in 2011. We understand that during these unprecedented times, it is important to adapt, and we made changes to our Memorial Day practices to ensure the safety of all participants.
Among the changes over the past year, the one we are happiest about is welcoming three new board members, whose combined experience will greatly aid our mission of honoring every hero with a flower.
David Murphy
Regional Financial Services Executive
David brings over 30 years’ experience focusing on wealth advisory. Additionally, he is a retired Special Forces Colonel with service in Afghanistan and other locations throughout the world. Currently, two of his three children are serving in the military. David is a native of Connecticut and currently resides in Charlestown Massachusetts. David has been an active volunteer with the Foundation for the last six years.
Steve Dionne
Executive Director of CalFlowers Association
Steve has worked in the floral industry for the past 27 years, engaged in both domestic and international trade. Steve has been an active supporter of the mission of the foundation since 2015 and has rallied the California growers to be a part of this tribute. Steve is involved in the California Autism community as a writer and speaker.
Ivor Van Wingerden
Operations Manager – Ocean Breeze Farms
Ivor manages Ocean Breeze Farms San Luis Obispo County operations as a grower of flowers and Hass avocados. Ivor graduated from UC Berkeley in 2005 with a B.S. in Business Administration and is also a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. He lives in Arroyo Grande with his wife and three daughters.