Panelist Spotlight: Jack Chidester
Change and Disruption in the Floral Distribution Channel
Jack Chidester
DVFlora
Jack Chidester is the President and CEO of the Delaware Valley Floral Group (DVFG). The Delaware Valley Floral Group is one of the largest wholesale floral distribution companies in the United States with corporate headquarters located in Sewell, NJ. The company also operates divisions and facilities in Edison NJ, Baltimore MD, Shrewsbury MA, Berlin CT, Wilkes Barre PA, Syracuse NY, Long Island NY, Pittsburgh PA, Richmond VA, and Oxnard, CA.
Beginning in 1980, Mr. Chidester rose through the ranks of MCI for 16 years from Sales Representative to Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. In his final position there, he was responsible for over 4,000 personnel worldwide. During his career, he has served in positions such as Chief Operating Officer and President at companies ranging in size from 100 million to over 1 billion in sales revenue.
Mr. Chidester holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University where he currently is a member of the Board of Visitors. During his time at Penn State, he was also a member of the varsity wrestling team. He continues to contribute to wrestling as a Board Member of the Beat the Streets Philadelphia, a charitable organization.
Subsequently, he has participated in executive management programs
in finance, management, and marketing from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
Mr. Chidester currently resides with his wife in Malvern, PA. and has four children.