AmericanHort Grows Its Advocacy Team
March 9, 2024 
Meet AmericanHort’s newly expanded advocacy team [from left] Matt Mika, Rachel Pick, and Craig Regelbrugge.
The build-up to spring isn’t just a busy time for greenhouse growers; it’s also a time of growth for companies and organizations across horticulture. In fact, a number of these organizations have either new faces or familiar names taking on key roles. This includes AmericanHort.
Given the rapidly changing legislative and regulatory environment and election-year politics, industry advocacy is more important than ever. AmericanHort is committed to continue to develop its advocacy capability to defend and enhance the business environment for members.
Matt Mika, Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs, has assumed leadership of AmericanHort’s Washington, DC-based advocacy team, transitioning that role from long-time industry advocate Craig Regelbrugge. Craig continues in an important executive advisory role with AmericanHort, supporting the advocacy and research team but primarily focusing on phytosanitary/plant health and trade issues. Craig’s contributions to the horticulture industry cannot be overstated.
“We appreciate Craig’s legacy of contribution to the industry. We are pleased to retain him in a role that utilizes his significant industry and association knowledge,” according to a statement from AmericanHort.
Matt Mika joined AmericanHort in June 2023 with deep experience and relationships in DC, having worked for elected officials, agriculture trade associations, and industry companies, including Tyson, where he was Director of its D.C. advocacy program. Matt spent the past six months traveling the industry, attending industry events, meeting AmericanHort members, and learning more about the industry. Matt can be reached at MattM@AmericanHort.org.
Additionally, Rachel Pick has joined AmericanHort as Senior Manager for Advocacy and Government Affairs, reporting to Matt in AmericanHort’s Washington, DC, office. An Iowa native, Rachel brings significant experience in agricultural policy and government affairs. She has served under Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), on staff at the USDA during Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s tenure, worked with the Senate Sergeant of Arms, and most recently, a leadership role with U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action. Rachel can be reached at RachelP@AmericanHort.org.
AmericanHort’s Advocacy and Government Affairs team will continue to collaborate with the AmericanHort Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), which supports scientific research and students for the advancement of the horticultural industry. HRI was established by industry leaders on the premise that no one could better direct needed research to advance horticulture than the very people who work in it every day. HRI and research are staffed by Jennifer Gray and Dr. Michael Martin.