CareErs in Public Horticulture
Career Category:
Public Garden Administration
Position Title:
Executive Director
Position Summary
- Oversees the strategic planning, policy making, and staff supervision of a public horticulture institution
- This position often requires a graduate degree and 5-10 years of experience
- Other abilities: excellent leadership, business, and communication skills
2006 Salary Range: $51,682 to $203,629
Career Profiles of Executive Directors
Bill LeFevre
Title
Executive Director, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Duke University
Job Responsibilities
- Chief Executive Officer
- Development and Finance
- Spokesperson
Educational Background
- M.S. in Public Horticulture, University of Delaware
- B.S. in Landscape Design, University of Connecticut
- Finance for Non-Financial Managers, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Practical Experience
- Executive Director, John Bartram Association, Bartram's Garden, Philadelphia, PA
- Project Manager, Parks Revitalization Project, Philadelphia Green, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Phildelphia, PA
- Commercial Landscape Contractor in CT, PA, DE, NJ, and NY
Favorite / Least Favorite Part of the Job
- Favorite: Working with amazingly intelligent, talented, accomplished, dedicated, and caring people
- Least Favorite: Having to say "no" due to a lack of resources
Advice / Other Thoughts
The growing awareness of climate change and sustainability, and the vital role of plants in the health of the planet, is an opportunity for public gardens to become effective and inspirational leaders in the environmental movement.