We are pleased to introduce the candidates nominated for leadership positions on the CSSA Board of Directors. These dedicated members have generously agreed to serve and help guide the Society as we continue to advance our mission of education, conservation, research, and fellowship within the cactus and succulent community.
The Nominating Committee was elected by the Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on January 18, 2026, and consisted of Rod Haenni (Chair), Zack Repko, and Kelly Griffin.
Nominations Committee Policy: Board members who are candidates for re-election may not serve on the Nominating Committee. After Kelly Griffin was nominated for the office of Vice President by a board member who was not serving on the committee, he immediately recused himself from all further participation in the nomination process.
New for 2026: Digital Voting
Voting opens September 1, 2026
As part of the Society’s ongoing efforts to reduce paper consumption and eliminate the costs associated with printing and mailing ballots, the 2026 election will be conducted electronically.
On September 1, eligible* members and Affiliate Society representatives will receive an email containing a secure link to their ballot. The ballot will also be accessible through the CSSA Member Portal.
Ballots must be submitted by November 1, 2026.
We encourage all eligible members to participate in the election and help shape the future of the CSSA.
Officer Nominations for a 2-Year Term
There is one candidate running for each officer position. Members should vote “Yes” or “No” for each candidate.
Candidate for President: Irwin Lightstone
Irwin Lightstone has been an active leader, volunteer, and advocate within the cactus and succulent community for many years. After practicing law for 29 years, he chose to pursue his passion full-time, closing his law practice to become a professional photographer specializing in highly detailed artistic images of cacti and succulents.
His photography has been widely published and collected, appearing in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Haseltonia, Sansevieria, To The Point, CactusWorld, National Geographic publications, and the recently published Dudleya book, among many others.
Irwin is a past President of the North Texas Cactus and Succulent Society and has served the Cactus and Succulent Society of America in numerous leadership roles, including Vice President, Director, Conservation Committee Chair, Webinar Committee Chair, and Chair of the Photo Contest and Cover Art Committee. He has authored numerous articles for CSSA publications and has presented at CSSA Conventions, the Society’s webinar series, and local clubs throughout the United States.
Among his many contributions to the Society, Irwin is particularly proud of:
- Establishing the CSSA Webinar Series, which has expanded educational opportunities and outreach to members around the world.
- Creating the Art Committee, which organizes the annual photography competition and works closely with the Cactus and Succulent Journal editorial team to showcase exceptional imagery on the Journal’s covers.
- Building and leading a dedicated conservation team that has secured funding and support for numerous important conservation projects benefiting cactus and succulent species and their habitats.
Irwin believes that education, conservation, and member engagement are central to the Society’s future. As President, he looks forward to building on CSSA’s strong foundation while continuing to expand programs and opportunities that serve members, support conservation, and promote appreciation for cactus and succulent plants worldwide.
Irwin lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Robin.
Candidate for Vice President: Kelly Griffin
Kelly Griffin’s passion for succulents began in childhood and has grown into a lifelong pursuit of horticulture, exploration, and education. As a respected hybridizer, propagator, and plantsman, he has spent decades studying and cultivating succulent plants while sharing his knowledge with enthusiasts around the world.
Kelly’s botanical travels have taken him to more than 20 countries in search of plants in their natural habitats. His adventures have included multiple expeditions to Madagascar and South Africa to study aloes in the wild, journeys to Australia to observe cycads and grass trees, and more than 25 trips to Mexico to explore its extraordinary diversity of succulent species.
Professionally, Kelly served as Curator of Succulent Plants at Rancho Soledad Nursery for 11 years before becoming Succulent Plant Development Manager at Altman Plants, a position he has held for the past 14 years. He is widely recognized for his contributions to succulent horticulture, particularly his hybridization work. Kelly has introduced more than 100 unique succulent hybrids into cultivation, including numerous Aloe hybrids and well-known Agave cultivars such as Blue Glow, Snow Glow, Cubic, Black and Blue, Lion’s Mane, Dragon Toes, Spawn, Crème Brûlée, and Sierra Azul.
A dedicated supporter of the cactus and succulent community, Kelly has been an active member of the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society since 1992. Over the years, he has served on the board of directors, completed two terms as President and two years as Vice President, and was honored as a Fellow of the Society in recognition of his outstanding contributions.
Kelly currently serves as a Director of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America and is an active member of the Conservation Committee. He served as Local Convention Chair for the 2025 CSSA Convention in San Diego and has chaired or co-chaired programming for four CSSA conventions, including those in Austin, Claremont, and San Diego. He has also authored articles and contributed photography to CSSA publications, helping educate and inspire members throughout the Society.
In 2023, Kelly and Jeremy Spath published Dudleyas, a comprehensive 300-page reference work featuring more than 1,000 photographs. The book represents decades of research and field experience and has become an important resource for enthusiasts and researchers interested in this remarkable genus.
Kelly is committed to supporting the CSSA’s mission of education, conservation, research, and community engagement. As Vice President, he looks forward to continuing to serve the Society, helping strengthen its programs, and supporting members who share a passion for cactus and succulent plants.
Kelly respectfully asks for your vote and the opportunity to continue serving the CSSA.
Candidate for Secretary: Roxie Esterle (Incumbent)
I am honored to be running for another term as CSSA Secretary. Serving on the Board during a period of significant growth and transformation has been both challenging and rewarding. During my tenure, the CSSA has embraced new technologies, strengthened its governance, expanded its educational and conservation efforts, and enhanced its ability to serve members around the world.
One of the most rewarding aspects of serving on the Board has been working alongside dedicated volunteers who are committed to advancing the Society and exploring new opportunities for growth. Through my involvement with CSSA, I have had the privilege of learning from, traveling with, hosting, and collaborating with cactus and succulent enthusiasts from around the globe. These experiences have enriched both my understanding of the plants we love and my appreciation for the community that surrounds them.
My passion for cacti and succulents continues to grow. In recent years, I have traveled extensively to visit habitats, collections, and botanical gardens throughout the world. Most recently, I attended the ELK (European Countries Conference) and visited botanical gardens in Italy, Germany, and France. Previous travels have taken me to Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and Namibia. Each journey has provided invaluable opportunities to observe remarkable plants in cultivation and in habitat, while also deepening my understanding of the conservation challenges facing many species. Witnessing both the beauty of these plants and the threats posed by habitat loss and poaching has strengthened my commitment to conservation, education, and responsible stewardship.
At its heart, CSSA is about sharing knowledge, experiences, plants, seeds, friendships, and a passion for cacti and succulents. Our affiliate clubs and members create a vibrant community that inspires learning and connection. I look forward to continuing to serve the Society and helping ensure that CSSA remains a welcoming, innovative, and influential organization for years to come.
Candidate for Treasurer: Nick Diomede (Incumbent)
Nicolas Diomede first attended a Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society (CACSS) meeting in the late 1990s. While he initially found the enthusiasm for unusual cactus and succulent specimens a bit unexpected, he quickly discovered a community that shared his growing interest in these remarkable plants. He joined the club immediately and brought home his first adenium, a plant that remains part of his collection today.
Over the years, Nicolas became deeply involved with CACSS, serving as Treasurer from 2014 through 2023 while also managing Vendor Sales for the club. During that time, he contributed to virtually every committee in some capacity and played an active role in supporting the organization’s programs and events. In recognition of his dedication and service, he was honored with Lifetime Membership in 2021.
In 2017, CACSS hosted the Cactus and Succulent Society of America (CSSA) Biennial Convention in Tempe, Arizona. Through his volunteer work at the convention, Nicolas had the opportunity to meet many CSSA members and leaders from across the country, laying the foundation for his future involvement with the Society.
That opportunity became a reality on June 30, 2022, when Nicolas succeeded the retiring CSSA Treasurer. The following day, he also assumed responsibility for CSSA Vendor Sales. Since then, he has worked to support the Society’s financial operations and annual events while helping ensure a positive experience for vendors and members alike.
Although he jokes that he may be a little older and a little slower than when he first became involved, Nicolas’s commitment to the CSSA remains as strong as ever. He considers it a privilege to serve the Society and is honored to once again be a candidate for Treasurer.
Director Nominations for a 4-Year Term
Members will vote for 3 of the five below candidates
Der-shing Helmer (Incumbent)
Der-shing Helmer is an award-winning comic artist, botanical illustrator, former herpetologist, and lifelong plant enthusiast based in the San Diego area. Combining a background in science with a passion for art and education, Der-shing has built a unique career centered on observing, documenting, and sharing the natural world.
Professionally, Der-shing is best known for their work as a comic artist, editor, and publisher, creating visually compelling stories that blend creativity, science, and exploration. Their artistic talents extend beyond comics into botanical illustration, where a keen eye for detail and deep appreciation for plant diversity have made them a respected contributor within the horticultural community.
A dedicated member of the cactus and succulent community, Der-shing currently serves as Vice President and Newsletter Editor of the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society. In these roles, they help support one of the nation’s most active cactus and succulent societies through leadership, communication, education, and member engagement. Their work in publishing and design has helped strengthen the society’s outreach efforts while promoting the appreciation and conservation of succulent plants.
Der-shing is particularly fascinated by the diversity, adaptability, and evolutionary history of succulent plants. Their personal collection includes dozens of species of succulent and herbaceous Dorstenia, a genus that has become a special area of interest. Through cultivation, research, photography, writing, and illustration, they continually explore the remarkable forms and survival strategies that make succulents such captivating plants.
In addition to their local society involvement, Der-shing has contributed artwork, design expertise, educational content, and volunteer service to the broader cactus and succulent community. They are passionate about making plant science accessible and engaging to a wide audience and believe that art and storytelling can play an important role in inspiring curiosity, conservation, and lifelong learning.
Whether illustrating a rare plant, editing a publication, speaking with fellow enthusiasts, or tending their collection, Der-shing brings creativity, enthusiasm, and a spirit of discovery to everything they do. They remain committed to supporting the mission of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America and fostering connections among growers, researchers, artists, and plant lovers around the world.
Ann Hopkinson (Incumbent)
Ann Hopkinson has been a passionate cactus and succulent enthusiast since her early twenties, drawn to the extraordinary diversity, beauty, and adaptability of these remarkable plants. Her appreciation for their unique forms, colors, textures, and survival strategies has developed into a lifelong commitment to horticulture, education, and service within the cactus and succulent community.
A member of the Conejo Cactus and Succulent Society since 2018, Ann has served the club in several leadership roles, including Secretary, Vice President, and currently Editor of the club’s Succulent Scoop newsletter. Through these positions, she has helped strengthen communication, support member education, and foster an engaging and welcoming environment for both new and experienced growers.
Ann is currently completing her first term as a Director on the Board of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America. During her tenure, she has contributed to the Conservation, Affiliates, Art, and Finance Committees, gaining valuable insight into the Society’s operations and strategic priorities. Her committee work has allowed her to collaborate with volunteers across North America while advancing the CSSA’s mission of education, conservation, research, and community engagement.
Ann holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Science and spent her professional career as an Inventory Manager and ISA Certified Arborist for a wholesale tree-growing company. Her work in the nursery industry deepened her appreciation for the vital role plants play in both natural and urban environments. She is a strong advocate for urban forestry and the many benefits trees provide, including improving air quality, reducing urban heat island effects, conserving energy, and enhancing community well-being. While trees became her profession, cacti and succulents have always remained her greatest horticultural passion.
One of the most influential moments in Ann’s development as a collector was discovering Gordon D. Rowley’s Caudiciform and Pachycaul Succulents. The book sparked a lasting fascination with caudiciform plants and led her to explore genera such as Pachypodium, Adenium, Dorstenia, and Fockea. More recently, she has developed a growing interest in miniature cacti, particularly Turbinicarpus, Frailea, and Epithelantha. She is continually inspired by the symmetry, geometry, and remarkable evolutionary adaptations found throughout the cactus and succulent world.
In addition to cultivating her collection, Ann enjoys experimenting with propagation from both seed and cuttings, studying plant development, and sharing knowledge with fellow enthusiasts. She is also an avid nature photographer and enjoys documenting the beauty and diversity of the plants she grows.
Ann lives in Moorpark, California, with her husband, Domenic, and their dog, Lucca. As an incumbent Director, she is committed to continuing her service to the CSSA and helping guide the Society as it expands its educational programs, conservation efforts, and support for members around the world. She looks forward to building on the progress made during her first term and contributing to the Society’s continued growth and success.
Brian Oliver
Brian Oliver is honored to be considered for a position on the Board of Directors of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America. His interest in serving stems from a deep passion for cactus and succulent plants and a strong commitment to supporting the individuals, organizations, and communities dedicated to their cultivation, study, and conservation.
Brian is currently serving in his twentieth year of active-duty military service with the United States Army. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and organizational oversight. His responsibilities have included the ethical stewardship of government resources, management of personnel and budgets, education and training, and the coordination of complex operations. Working with diverse teams in demanding environments has strengthened his ability to collaborate effectively, solve problems, and make thoughtful decisions under challenging circumstances. These experiences have reinforced the importance of accountability, integrity, and long-term planning—qualities that he believes are equally valuable in nonprofit leadership.
Beyond his military service, Brian is an active and well-respected member of the cactus and succulent community, both in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region and within the broader online plant community. He currently serves as Vice President of the Chesapeake Cactus and Succulent Society, where he helps support educational programs, member engagement, and club operations. Through this role, he has gained a greater appreciation for the important work local societies perform in connecting enthusiasts, sharing knowledge, and fostering the next generation of growers and collectors.
Brian is also the owner of a small cactus and succulent business, providing him with additional perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the hobby today. His involvement in local plant sales, educational programs, and community events has given him firsthand experience with the growing public interest in cacti and succulents and the critical role that education, conservation, and collaboration play in sustaining that interest. He is particularly passionate about helping newcomers discover the hobby while supporting efforts to preserve plants in habitat and promote responsible cultivation practices.
As a candidate for Director, Brian brings a combination of organizational leadership, financial stewardship, community engagement, and enthusiasm for the Society’s mission. He believes strongly in the CSSA’s role as a leader in education, research, conservation, and outreach, and he is committed to helping the Society continue to grow and serve its members around the world.
Brian would consider it a privilege to serve on the CSSA Board of Directors and contribute to the continued success of an organization that means so much to the cactus and succulent community.
Alice Rivera
Plants have always been part of life for Alice Rivera, rooted in a family from Puerto Rico where growing things is just what you do. Her cactus and succulent journey began with a small collection outside her first apartment door in Los Angeles, right after college.
So many things captivated her about succulents: their resilience, their geometry, their diversity, the magic of growing an entire plant from a single leaf or cutting, the contradiction of a delicate flower emerging from a nest of thorns.
This passion has a remarkable side effect: it makes you want to share it. Alice has converted more than a few unsuspecting people into collectors, found some of her closest friends through succulents, and loves sharing the joy and wonder of these plants with others. She also creates handmade ceramic planters inspired by nature, because she believes a great plant in a great pot becomes a singular piece of living art.
Alice discovered LACSS through shows and sales and began attending meetings via Zoom during the pandemic. She currently produces the monthly meeting slideshow and has volunteered at sales and recruitment events. At those events, she noticed that many people who were fans of succulents had no idea the community existed. As a marketer, she started asking why, and her research led to new ideas and a deeper involvement with CSSA. For the CSSA, she led the development of the 2026 Show & Sale key art and is working on new educational materials for both members and affiliates.
With over 25 years leading campaigns for global brands and building programs from the ground up, Alice has spent her career helping organizations reach new audiences and connect with the people who matter most to them. If given the opportunity to serve on the board, she would bring that same focus to CSSA: creating educational programs and materials that build collective knowledge at every level, outreach that meets people where they are, and helping CSSA build a vibrant presence where people go to discover and celebrate these plants, whether they are newly curious or deeply hooked and hungry for more.
Alice lives in the San Fernando Valley with a collection that keeps growing, and a genuine commitment to helping CSSA grow and thrive alongside it. Alice would be honored to serve as Director and grateful for your vote.
Art Scarpa (Incumbent)
Art Scarpa has been an active member of the cactus and succulent community for more than four decades and is widely recognized for his leadership, horticultural expertise, and dedication to promoting the study and cultivation of succulent plants. As an incumbent Director of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America, he brings a lifetime of experience in horticulture, nonprofit leadership, event organization, and community building.
Born and raised in the Boston area, Art developed an interest in plants at an early age. His fascination with cacti and succulents began when he was around ten years old, sparked by a Bryophyllum (now classified as Kalanchoe) commonly known as the “curtain plant.” What started with a few plants on a windowsill soon grew into a lifelong passion for the extraordinary diversity and adaptability of succulent plants.
Art spent nine years living in Sweden, where he met his wife, Kerstin, and where their two children were born. During his professional career, he held management positions in international sales, manufacturing, procurement, and materials management before retiring from Analogic Corporation in 2005 as a Senior Buyer and Materials Manager. Throughout his career, he developed strong organizational, financial, and leadership skills that have served him well in volunteer and nonprofit service.
A member of the CSSA since the 1980s, Art became involved in the Winter Hardy Cactus Round Robin, a network of dedicated enthusiasts that included notable growers such as John Spain and Rod Haenni. Through these connections, he became active in regional cactus and succulent societies and helped build a vibrant community of growers throughout the northeastern United States.
In 1991, Art founded the Cactus & Succulent Society of Massachusetts (CSSM). What began with 38 attendees at the inaugural meeting has grown into one of the region’s most successful societies, with membership exceeding 150 enthusiasts. Under his leadership, the CSSM has become a cornerstone of the northeastern cactus and succulent community, hosting educational programs, exhibitions, and major events that have inspired growers for more than three decades.
Art has played a leading role in organizing two highly successful Eastern Cactus and Succulent Conferences, serving as co-chair for the 1996 conference in Andover, Massachusetts, and the 2008 conference in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. These events brought together hundreds of attendees and featured internationally recognized speakers, fostering collaboration and friendship among societies throughout the eastern United States. He remains committed to helping revive and strengthen regional conferences as a way to connect growers, collectors, and researchers.
His contributions to horticulture extend well beyond the cactus and succulent community. Art has served as an Overseer of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society since 2005, chaired numerous horticultural events and plant sales, organized exhibits and educational displays, and helped coordinate the horticultural organizations’ annual sale at Harvard University for many years. He also played a leadership role in the development of the gardens along Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway and has been a judge at the Philadelphia International Flower Show since 2000.
An accomplished exhibitor and grower, Art has earned numerous awards, including multiple Best in Show honors at horticultural exhibitions and the Massachusetts Horticultural Society Gold Medal for Volunteerism. He has shared his knowledge widely, presenting more than 150 lectures and programs for garden clubs, plant societies, and horticultural organizations throughout the Northeast.
Art’s greenhouse is home to thousands of plants, reflecting a broad range of horticultural interests. His favorite groups include Haworthia, Gasteria, miniature aloes, medusoid euphorbias, mesembs, sansevierias, bromeliads, cycads, palms, geophytes, alpine plants, and many other unusual and fascinating species. His enthusiasm for growing, exhibiting, and sharing plants continues to inspire fellow collectors and newcomers alike.
A lifelong learner and world traveler, Art has explored much of Western Europe and has made several trips to South Africa and Namibia to study succulent plants in habitat. These experiences have deepened his appreciation for plant conservation, habitat preservation, and the global community of cactus and succulent enthusiasts.
As an incumbent Director, Art remains committed to supporting the mission of the CSSA through education, conservation, research, and outreach. He looks forward to continuing to serve the Society, strengthening connections among members and affiliates, and helping ensure that future generations discover the same fascination and joy that cacti and succulents have brought to his life.
* Standard, Life, Fellow, and Associate Members (from the same household) are eligible to vote in CSSA elections. In addition, each Affiliate Society is eligible for one vote per society.
