MAY 24, 2022–The American Public Gardens Association (APGA) announced today that it will begin a national search for a passionate, visionary, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the Association’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This follows the impending departure of Executive Director Dr. D. Casey Sclar who will become the H.O. Smith Endowed Director of the Arboretum at Penn State in August. APGA’s new leader will have the immense opportunity to write the next chapter in the Association’s 80-year history through developing a new five-year strategic plan, building on the current strategic plan goals committed to engagement, professional development, leadership, resilience, and organizational excellence, and creating a world where public gardens are indispensable.

“Our Association has never been stronger,” said MaryLynn Mack, APGA’s Board President. “During the last decade of Dr. Sclar’s leadership, the Association has nearly tripled in size by almost all measures. We developed programs focusing on plant protection, sustainability, benchmarking, and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) principles. Member engagement increased exponentially with the growth of our professional communities. Working with an extremely talented team across the country, the Association conducted in-person and virtual events of the highest quality to keep members engaged through the toughest of times. Today, we are well positioned to continue advancing our vision, and we remain grateful for Dr. Sclar’s dedication and sound governance through the years.”

In 2021, core values for the Association were adopted and have been embedded throughout all the organization does. From “Cultivate Passion” and “Collaborate Authentically” to “Elevate Our Voice” and “Grow Thoughtfully,” the overarching principle of “We All Grow” represents a promise and lens through which the Association plans, creates, and activates. “We will be looking for the next dynamic leader of the Association to embody our core values and continue to weave our IDEA principles throughout all we say, all we do, and all we impact. The future is so very bright,” affirmed Mack.

Read the job description here.

To become the new CEO of the American Public Gardens Association, apply here.