Jessica Cudnik works in Flower Product Management at American Takii. She received her Bachelor's and Master’s in Science in Horticulture from the University of Georgia. Her thesis research was “Evaluation of Substrates in Constructed Raised-Beds for Vegetable Culture” but don’t let the word ‘vegetable’ sway your opinion into thinking she’s not a fanatic about flowers. She is! She takes a holistic approach to all things horticulture and truly believes in growing both food for the body and food for the soul. Flowers are food for the soul, and she has worked at several cut flower farms, been a grower at a perennial plug facility, and worked internationally, all related to her passion for plants. She is excited to start this session with you, talking about cut sunflowers.  

Dr. Jean Williams-Woodward has been serving and educating students and industry professionals across Georgia for the past 30 years. She is an Associate Professor in UGA’s Plant Pathology Department and the Graduate Program Faculty for the Department of Plant Pathology. 

Dr. Julie Campbell is Assistant Professor for Marketing and Consumer Behavior in Horticulture. Her research focuses on marketing and consumer behavior. Dr. Campbell currently serves as the faculty mentor for the undergraduate Horticulture Club. Dr. Julie Campbell received her Ph.D. in plant sciences from the University of Connecticut.

As the fourth-generation owner and lead designer at Delorice’s Florist in Douglas, GA, Randy Wooten has nearly two decades of experience in the floral industry. Always willing to share his knowledge with others, Randy has been very active in the advancement of the industry. His commitment extends to the next generation where he serves as the National FFA Floral Industry Representative. Randy previously served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Southern Chapter of AIFD. His first book, Jubilation, was published in 2015. Brilliant in both business and design, Randy has received multiple awards throughout his career. Most recently in 2022, the Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Florists Association honored him with their National Service Award. In 2018, Randy competed in the FTD America’s Cup design competition. In 2012, the Georgia State Florist Association presented him with the 2012 Retailer of the Year Award. In 2010, he became a member of the Professional Floral Communicators – International (PFCI) after being inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) in 2009. He also received the 2009 Dick Timmons Service Award and the 2006 Designer of the Year Award from the Georgia State Florist Association. Randy graduated from South Georgia College in Douglas, GA, with an Associate of Arts in Business Administration. His passion for the floral industry is deeply rooted in education, which he believes is the key to the industry’s survival.