Jesus Azanza named next president and CEO of Texas Nursery & Landscape Association

The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association has chosen Jesus Azanza to succeed Amy Graham as president and CEO, with Azanza starting Nov. 1 and Graham retiring Nov. 20. The leadership change comes after a national search and is aimed at supporting TNLA’s advocacy, workforce and member-growth efforts across Texas.

Why it matters: - TNLA is bringing in an association executive with a track record in membership growth, revenue gains and legislative engagement. - The leadership change affects a statewide trade group serving Texas nursery and landscape businesses as it works on advocacy, workforce development, certification and innovation. - Azanza’s appointment gives TNLA a new chief executive before Amy Graham retires after 25 years with the association.

What happened: - The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Board of Directors selected Jesus Azanza as the association’s next president and chief executive officer. - Azanza will start on Nov. 1, 2026. - Amy Graham will retire on Nov. 20, 2026. - The board said the selection followed a national search conducted with a respected executive placement firm.

The details: - Azanza has more than 17 years of experience in association leadership, strategic planning, advocacy, marketing, business development and member engagement. - He currently serves as executive director for the Austin, Greater Houston and San Antonio chapters of the Community Associations Institute. - In that role, Azanza oversees operations, governance, financial management, programming and growth initiatives. - During his tenure, Azanza helped drive gains in membership, sponsorships, event participation and organizational revenue. - He also increased sponsorship and educational program revenue. - Azanza served as lead legislative and policy staff coordinator for the three Texas CAI chapters, working with industry advocates and association leaders on statewide policy priorities. - Before CAI, Azanza was director of communications and marketing for the Texas Food & Fuel Association. - He also served as director of member services for the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers. - His past work included statewide communications, advocacy initiatives, major conferences, membership campaigns, publications, sponsorship programs and technology improvements. - Azanza has received the 2022 National Executive Director Rising Star Award and the 2026 CAI San Antonio Chapter President’s Award. - The chapters under his leadership received national recognition for membership growth, innovative events, legislative engagement and statewide leadership development. - Azanza earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology with a minor in social work from Texas State University. - He lives in Round Rock with his wife and three daughters.

Between the lines: - TNLA is signaling continuity on industry advocacy and member services while also emphasizing growth and program expansion. - Board leaders framed Azanza as a collaborative operator with experience across communications, policy and revenue generation, suggesting TNLA wants a leader who can balance external advocacy with internal operations. - The search committee’s comments point to a competitive hiring process and a desire for broad association management experience.

What’s next: - Azanza will take over leadership of TNLA on Nov. 1. - Graham will remain in place through Nov. 20 before retiring. - TNLA will continue advancing its work on advocacy, workforce development, certification and member support under the new leadership.

The bottom line: - TNLA is betting on an association veteran with Texas roots and a record of growth to guide the organization into its next chapter.