Please join us in congratulating Fred Higginbotham, our Growing Operations Manager, on graduating from the HRI Leadership Academy through AmericanHort!
The HRI Leadership Academy is designed to strengthen the future of the horticulture industry by bringing together emerging leaders to develop their skills in communication, strategic thinking, collaboration, and leading through change. The year-long program includes in-person classes, peer collaboration, and concludes with a team project focused on a real-world business challenge that can be applied within the horticulture industry.
The HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2026 graduated during Cultivate ’26, where participants presented their final projects. Fred and his team presented “Elevating People, Not Replacing Them,” a research project exploring the balance between technology investments and workforce engagement. Their research found that while investing in systems and technology is essential for improving efficiency and supporting the future of our industry, lasting success depends on investing in the people who use those tools. Their conclusion emphasized a people-first approach—prioritizing employee training, development, and engagement—as the foundation for successfully implementing new technology and efficiency improvements.
The HRI Leadership Academy is a highly selective program, with only 10 professionals from across the industry chosen for the Class of 2026. Fred’s selection is a testament to his leadership potential, commitment to continuous growth, and passion for making a positive impact on the horticulture industry.
Throughout the past year, Fred gained valuable insights, built meaningful industry relationships, and brought back ideas and perspectives that will benefit both our team and our company. We appreciate the dedication and effort he invested in this program and look forward to the continued impact of his leadership at Millcreek.
Congratulations, Fred, on this outstanding achievement! Thank you for representing Millcreek so well—we’re proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited to see your continued growth as a leader.