Every year, All-America Selections (AAS) hosts an awards ceremony to honor two individuals who have given significantly to AAS. One award is the prestigious AAS Medallion of Honor, an award designed to recognize someone with a lifelong dedication to advancement in the field of horticulture. Another equally prestigious award is the Breeder’s Cup which was established in 2004 to recognize a breeder who has dramatically influenced horticulture by his or her work in bringing significant improvements to specific flower or vegetable classes.

AAS Breeder’s Cup

The All-America Selections Breeders Cup was established in 2004 to recognize a plant breeder who dramatically influenced horticulture by breeding new cultivars that brought significant improvements to those classes. All-America Selections is very proud to announce that the 2018 Breeder’s Cup Award recipient is Doug Holden, recently retired Global Head of Breeding for Benary.

Doug started his career at Bodger Seeds Ltd. In 1986 where he bred notable introductions Ageratum Hawaii Blue, Lobelia Palace Series and numerous others. Continuing his career at Waller Flower Seed Company, Doug advanced to Vice President of Research and Development where he led the development of a new R&D Department as well as bred notable series such as the Viola Sorbet, Pacifica and Mediterranean Vinca and Panache Pansies, to name a few.

In 1997, Doug moved to Goldsmith Seeds Inc. where he worked to expand the efforts of Goldsmith Plants Inc. to include a steady supply of vegetative products. These products ultimately became part of Syngenta Flowers’ Goldfisch Brand.

As the Vice President of Yoder Brothers’ Propagator Marketing Group, Doug dove into the cut flower and potted plant market by leading the new product development in cut flower carnations; garden mums; hibiscus; azaleas and other annual and perennial classes. Doug established Yoder’s new breeding station and production farm in Columbia and implemented a new test production system to assure that these perennials could be reliably produced.

Following a short tenure as Director of Research for Syngenta Flowers, Doug moved to Benary as the Global Head of Breeding in 2009. He was tasked with establishing a new North American Headquarters and Breeding Facility and recruiting breeders for the North American market. By acquiring and refurbishing the old El Modeno facility in Watsonville, Doug was able to create a fully functioning facility in mere months. As a result of Doug’s vast knowledge and expertise, the Benary Breeding Facility has already generated its first completely US-bred series, Super Hero™ Marigolds (‘Spry’ is a 2018 AAS National Winner).

Previous AAS Breeders’ Cup Recipients

AAS Medallion of Honor

The 2017 Medallion of Honor recipient is Vicky Rupley of Harris Seeds in Rochester, New York. Vicky started her career by attending the University of Rhode Island, including a summer internship pollinating tomatoes at Harris Seeds. She then went on to UC Davis in California and received a Masters in Agriculture Education earing her credentials to teach and lecture on vegetable crops. In 1985 Vicky transitioned to the industry, working at Harris Moran Seed Company, Ball Seed, Sluis & Groot and Harris Seeds where today she serves as the company’s Executive Vice President.

In addition to her professional career, Vicky has generously given of her time as a member of the National Garden Bureau Board of Directors from 1995-1998 then as a member of the All-America Selections Council of Judges beginning in 2006. While serving as a judge, Vicky then joined the AAS Board of Directors as a Director, Vice President, President, Past-President from 2007-2015.

Fellow AAS Director Mark Gross from PanAmerican Seed, a long-time industry colleague, and friend of Ms. Rupley presented the Medallion award. All-America Selections proudly salutes an industry achiever who humbly does so much for the industry, including All-America Selections. Congratulations Vicky!
                    

Previous AAS Medallion of Honor Recipients