Board of Directors​

Breanne Chavez is the Executive Director of the Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association (WSNLA). Previously, Chavez served as the WSNLA Communication Director from 2000 – 2011. With a bachelors in public relations from Central Washington University and a certificate in non profit management from South Puget Sound Community College and the Non Profit Leadership Institute, Breanne applies management and marketing skills to a diverse scope of Association programs and initiatives that center around protecting and advancing the industry through advocacy, education and promotion. Her twenty years of experience in nursery and landscape non profit management, has provided Chavez with the foundation to deliver vision and proactive leadership in addressing association relevancy and growth.

Breanne is also the Executive Secretary of the WSNLA Scholarship & Research Charitable Fund, a separate 501(c)3 with an independent board that oversees over $600,000 in funds dedicated to supporting horticulture scholarships and grants. On average, it awards $25,000 in scholarship & grants annually. Breanne is a member of the Nursery & Landscape Association of Executives were she serves as the 2020 Vice President, and also serves on the Washington State Department of Agriculture Nursery Advisory Committee. When not working, Breanne enjoys spending time with family, camping, and working in her garden.

Scott Grams has been the Executive Director of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association since 2008.

Since 1959, ILCA has provided landscape professionals with the resources needed to enhance their performance and ensure continued growth and success. The Association’s mission is to enhance the professionalism and expertise of landscape professionals by providing leadership, education, representation, and services while promoting environmental awareness and the value of the landscape industry. The association is pledged to serve as a forum for the free exchange of ideas among landscape professionals, their suppliers and the government, working together for a greener, more beautiful Illinois. ILCA is a 501 (c) (6) nonprofit trade association with more than 800 member companies.

Grams graduated from Purdue University and holds a Master’s Degree from Northwestern. He is married to wife Karla and has two children Zach and Zoe. They live in Downers Grove, IL.

I proudly serve as the Executive Director of the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association and this year I celebrate my 32nd year working for and with our great, Green Industry.

My time is focused on and being actively involved in member services, public policy, legislative issues, regulatory issues and I serve as the green industry’s link to state, regional, and national agencies and organizations.

I serve on many State and National Boards and Committees to ensure a balanced blend of industry and natural interests, serve as a conduit for communication between industry and other interests, provide education and information about our industry to consumers, the Michigan Legislature, Congress, State and National Agencies and work to maintain a sound, science-based voice as it pertains to issues effecting our industry.

Heather is currently the director of trade shows & events for Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association, where she currently leads the team on Canada’s largest trade event for the green industry, Landscape Ontario Congress. Heather brings over 20 years of event planning experience, specifically iconsumer and b2b exhibitions, her passion is planning, re-inventing and ensuring events offer a first class experience.

Heather has served as a board of director with the Canadaina Association of Exposition Managers, she was the chair of the annual conference in 2018. In 2019 she was nominated by her peers and was the recipient of the volunteer of year award. Heather also serves on a number of committees within her local community.

On a personal level Heather is a proud mother two teenage sons, outdoor fitness, travel and cooking are her pastimes. If you were to ask her favorite movie she would tell you The Wizard of Oz because she couldn’t agree more “there is no place like home”

Mary Beth Cowardin leads the AmericanHort marketing and communications team to help build the organization’s brand, engage current members in the organization’s work and expand the association’s membership base.