We’re excited to introduce the exceptional individuals nominated for leadership positions on the CSSA Board. These dedicated members are committed to helping our cactus and succulent community thrive.
The Nominating Committee, elected by the Board of Directors at the Annual Board Meeting on January 19, 2025, includes Ann Hopkinson (Chair), Roxie Esterle, and Vonn Watkins. We thank them for their service and dedication.
Voting opens in September 2025.
Eligible voters include Standard, Life, Fellow, and Associate (household) members, as well as each Affiliate Society.
- White ballots for individual members* will be included in Cactus and Succulent Journal Issue 97-3, mailed in late August.
- Green ballots for Affiliate Societies will be mailed in late August. To ensure delivery, please complete the Affiliate Info Form with your current mailing address, before August 1, 2025.
Ballots must be received by November 1, 2025.
Board Nominations for a 4-Year Term
Dave Ferguson (Incumbent)
I grew up in northern Colorado, and always had a fascination with creepy crawlies and plants. I spent most of my free time wandering off and looking at the natural wonders all around me, terrifying my parents. I still have the Christmas cactus my grandmother gave me as a tot. Cactus really got my attention when I ran bare-footed through some low Pricklypear. Rather than hating them, I planted some in the yard, and was quite literally hooked. Before long I had quite a planting of assorted cacti. I love plants in general, but the Opuntioid Cacti (the ones with glochids) top my list.
After studying entomology and botany at Colorado State University. I worked for USDA PPQ in Denver for a time, as well as at nurseries and building greenhouses. I have been a crop consultant, a part time mechanic, grocery bag boy, and more. I spent several years involved in threatened and endangered species surveying and mitigation, which often dealt with cacti. I also ran a small nursery and sold cactus plants. I moved from Colorado to the milder climate of Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1982. I recently retired from my position as a Curator at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden in Albuquerque, where I grew and studied cacti (and other plants) for over 25 years. I have published articles and consulted for some books and coauthored others relating to Talinum, Phemeranthus, Orthoptera, Cacti and other succulent plants, including a book on Pricklypears in southwest gardens.
My wife Rebecca and I have two teenage sons. They all think I’m a bit nuts, but enjoy impressing their friends with their knowledge of cacti, bugs, and other bits of the natural world.
My primary goals for CSSA would be advancing and promoting science, conservation, and field work. We need to find ways to make the Society and what we stand for more accessible to younger people.
Amanda Gerberich
In 2019 I joined the San Gabriel Valley Cactus and Succulent Society after attending the Inter-City show and sale at The LA county Arboretum. I fell in love with the beauty and curiosities of the plants within and beyond Africa. Particularly the people, geography and geology of Namibia; the origins of humanity here sparked my interest in ethical plant conservation.
I am a Retired RN, multimedia Artist, and an avid gardener of my extensive Aloe, succulent and vegetable gardens. I am most fulfilled by volunteer public service, especially for those in need.
I am currently the sitting Vice President, hospitality chair, and Affiliate Chair of the SGVCSS, where I’m in charge of event planning, volunteers, as well as food and beverage service for the Winter and Inter-City Shows & Sales, and club events. Additionally I serve as a Hospitality Volunteer and Auction Chair for the CSSA Plant Show & Sale.
My volunteer work at The Huntington; in the CSSA Library includes maintaining their book and archival collections; as assistant to John Trager, in the growing houses, propagating and maintaining their private succulent collection; I am currently training as a docent for their Succulent Conservatory.
Were I given the opportunity to serve the CSSA as director, it would allow me the opportunity to learn, share, and propagate the essential message that like humans, plants need to be protected and cared for; particularly the most vulnerable. As stewards of the natural world, it is our duty to study and protect its diversity.
Phuc Huynh (Incumbent)
I am currently a Director on the CSSA Board and have served in this position since 2018. In addition, I am also a Past-President of the Gates Cactus and Succulent Society in the Inland Empire of Southern California with ten years’ experience. Like you, not only do I enjoy the world of cactus and succulent horticulture, but I also want to share this experience with other enthusiasts.
Supporting the mission of CSSA is my top priority. This organization is the foundation for everyone who shares a common passion for succulents. Preservation, conservation, and education are the key components to this mission. It is this dedication and commitment that I pledge to CSSA and to its members. Together we will make a positive impact to the future of the hobby, the commercial trade, and the natural beauty of where they exist.
Currently, I am the Chairperson for the CSSA Research Committee. The committee reviews all research grant proposals submitted to CSSA for funding support. This is one of the core missions of CSSA, to expand our knowledge of cacti and succulents through field research and scientific application.
When not immersing in my garden with the succulents, I am caring for my patients as their primary care physician. In the meantime, I am plenty busy having fun with the local affiliate clubs, CSSA, and my “Old Man of Mexico.”
Nick Renteria (Incumbent)
Born and raised in Southern California, I developed a love for gardening at an early age. I went to college intending to major in horticulture and took a 180-degree detour and graduated with a degree in economics. I subsequently worked in accounting and Information Technology. In an attempt to get back on track with my true love, I completed the Certificate Program in Gardening and Horticulture through UCLA Extension in 2017. After retiring from a major entertainment company in 2021, I have devoted my free time to the world of cacti and succulents.
At the local level, I currently serve as president of the San Gabriel Valley club and am also a member of the Sunset and Los Angeles clubs. At the national level, I was appointed Chair of the CSSA Annual Show & Sale in 2023, a position I still hold. Then in 2024 I was appointed to fill a vacant director position on the CSSA Board of Directors. Aside from contributing to the CSSA by organizing a successful show and sale the past few years, I have also contributed by making suggestions on how to improve the efficiency of the organization. I have also utilized my experience working at the club level to make suggestions on how to meet the needs of the affiliate clubs.
The world we live in today has undergone rapid technological changes. These changes have had far reaching impacts on our local clubs (and hobby in general) and presented some new challenges. I firmly believe that the CSSA can leverage its vast resources to help meet these challenges. I also believe that the CSSA can continue to play a vital role in conservation, both at the local and international level. And finally, I believe that the CSSA can expand its role in promoting our hobby through educational outreach programs.
* Standard, Life, Fellow, and Associate Members (from the same household) are eligible to vote in CSSA elections.
