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
Doug Conley
Title
Executive Director, The Gardens at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Job Responsibilities
- Planning and adminsitration
- Development and fundraising
- Horticulture
Educational Background
- M.S. in Public Horticulture, University of Delaware
- B.S. in Applied Biology, Ferris State University
- A.A.S. in Ornamental Horticulture, Ferris State University
Practical Experience
- Director, The Gardens at SIUE, Edwardsville, IL
- Assistant Superintendent, Walnut Hills Country Club, East Lansing, MI
- Horticulturist, Dow Gardens, Midland, MI
Favorite / Least Favorite Part of Job
- Favorite:Working with people (students, faculty, staff, donors, etc.) to fulfill the vision to build a public botanical garden on campus. This garden is putting people in touch with nature (plants, animals, the earth, etc.). It is fun to help people achive their dreams.
- Least Favorite: Development, because it takes me away from the Garden. However, my mindset changes whenever I remember my favorite part of the job.
Advice / Other Thoughts
My undergraduate career began in engineering. I learned of public horticulture as a sophomore, changed majors, and have had a rewarding and fulfilling career.
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.