American Rose Society

Shreveport, LA · Founded 1983

National organization promoting rose cultivation, education, and appreciation through research and community programs

Primary audience
Rose Growers
Work area
Education Research
Topic
Horticulture
Contact
Claire Bissell

About Organization

The American Rose Society advances the science and enjoyment of rose growing through education, research, and community engagement. Based in Shreveport, LA, the organization operates with approximately 26 employees and manages assets of $6.5 million. The organization generated $1.2 million in revenue in 2023, supporting programs that serve rose enthusiasts nationwide.

What They Focus On

Rose Education

Teaching cultivation techniques, garden design, and horticultural science to growers at all skill levels

Research Innovation

Advancing knowledge of rose varieties, disease resistance, and sustainable growing practices through scientific study

Community Engagement

Building networks of rose enthusiasts through local chapters, shows, and collaborative learning opportunities

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$1.2M

+1.9% vs 2024

Assets (2024)

$6.5M

+3.9% vs 2024

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024
2024 $1,161,086 $1,476,369 $6,263,268 19
2023
2023 $1,183,566 $1,649,910 $6,510,089 26
2022
2022 $1,385,717 $1,413,734 $6,908,347 23
2021
2021 $1,735,859 $1,281,644 $7,517,667 22
2020
2020 $1,179,187 $1,264,153 $6,822,357 18

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Education

    Provide training and resources on rose cultivation techniques and horticultural best practices

  • 02

    Research

    Conduct studies on rose varieties, disease management, and sustainable growing methods

  • 03

    Community Building

    Connect members through local chapters, events, and shared learning opportunities

  • 04

    Recognition

    Host shows and competitions celebrating excellence in rose cultivation and innovation

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by American Rose Society

Rose Education

Provides educational resources, workshops, and training programs for rose cultivation techniques and garden management

Horticultural Research

Conducts research on rose varieties, disease resistance, and sustainable growing practices for rose enthusiasts

Member Community

Connects rose growers through local societies, events, and publications sharing expertise and best practices

Rose Shows

Organizes competitions and exhibitions showcasing rose varieties and recognizing excellence in rose cultivation

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind American Rose Society.

CB

Claire Bissell

Executive Director
Full-time
Compensation: $69,841
CB

Carrie Bergs

Vice President
4 hrs/week
CD

Craig Dorschel

President
4 hrs/week
DS

Diane Sommers

Past President
2 hrs/week
JS

James S Hering

Past President
2 hrs/week
JA

Jeffery A Wyckoff

Past President
2 hrs/week
MW

Marilyn Wellan

Past President
2 hrs/week
PS

Patricia Shanley

Past President
2 hrs/week
SJ

Steven J Jones

Past President
2 hrs/week
TC

Thomas Cairns

Past President
2 hrs/week
BS

Beth Smiley

Interim Exec. Dir.
AP

Audrey Palumbo

Director
BF

Billy Flynn

Director
BM

Brad Meyer

Director
BM

Brendan Moore

Director
CF

Carol Fox

Director
CP

Cynthia Phipps

Director
HC

Howard Carman

Director
JN

Jacqui Nye

Director
JR

Jim Riggle

Director
JA

Jolene Adams

Director
JG

Judy Goss

Director
KP

Karen Prevatt

Director
KA

Kim Austin

Director
KB

Kreg B Hill

Director
LA

Louis Arce

Director
MH

Mike Humphrey

Director
RH

Robin Hough

Director
RR

Ron Royce

Director
RT

Ruth Tiffany

Director
SS

Sharon Shipp

Director
SG

Suzanne Gilbert

Director
TS

Toni Simonetti

Director

Milestones

1983

Tax-Exempt Status

1983

Received IRS tax-exempt recognition under section 501(c)(3) in June 1983

2021

Revenue Peak

2021

Achieved highest annual revenue of $1.7 million supporting expanded programming

2023

Staff Expansion

2023

Grew staff to 26 employees to support increased educational outreach

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AP
Audrey Palumbo Director 2.00 hrs/week
BF
Billy Flynn Director 2.00 hrs/week
BM
Brad Meyer Director 2.00 hrs/week
BM
Brendan Moore Director 2.00 hrs/week
CF
Carol Fox Director 2.00 hrs/week
CP
Cynthia Phipps Director 2.00 hrs/week
HC
Howard Carman Director 2.00 hrs/week
JN
Jacqui Nye Director 2.00 hrs/week
JR
Jim Riggle Director 2.00 hrs/week
JA
Jolene Adams Director 2.00 hrs/week
JG
Judy Goss Director 2.00 hrs/week
KP
Karen Prevatt Director 2.00 hrs/week
KA
Kim Austin Director 2.00 hrs/week
KB
Kreg B Hill Director 2.00 hrs/week
LA
Louis Arce Director 2.00 hrs/week
MH
Mike Humphrey Director 2.00 hrs/week
RH
Robin Hough Director 2.00 hrs/week
RB
Roger Brueckman Treasurer 4.00 hrs/week
RR
Ron Royce Director 2.00 hrs/week
RT
Ruth Tiffany Director 2.00 hrs/week
SS
Sharon Shipp Director 2.00 hrs/week
SG
Suzanne Gilbert Director 2.00 hrs/week
TS
Toni Simonetti Director 2.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$87K

Highest Paid

$87K

Claire Bissell

Compensated Officers

1

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Claire Bissell Executive Director $69,841 $17,157 $86,998 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$14K Grants Received
1 Organizations

Top Funders

1 total
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$14K

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Contact

Get in touch with American Rose Society

Visit Website
Po Box 30000 Shreveport, LA 711300030