Talmadge “Tal” Coley has been hired as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), according to a release from the organization. He replaces Ben Bolusky, who announced he is retiring in June 2022 after 24 years of service.

Coley will serve as the fifth CEO for the 70-year-old association. He previously served as senior director of advocacy and government affairs for AmericanHort and executive director of the Nursery & Landscape Association Executives (NLAE) of North America. He also advocated for veterans at Concerned Veterans for America for five years and served as a Russian cryptologic linguist for the U.S. Air Force for four years.

“I am humbled and honored to be the next chief executive officer at FNGLA,” Coley said. “The opportunity to return home to Florida and advocate for an industry I feel so passionate about is truly a dream come true. Leading FNGLA into this next chapter and building off the incredible foundation Ben Bolusky has provided is a mission I am eager to take on.”