KENNETT SQUARE, PA – May 2, 2022 – The American Public Gardens Association (“Association”) announced today that it will begin a national search for a new Executive Director following the announcement that current Executive Director Dr. D. Casey Sclar will depart the organization to become the H.O. Smith Endowed Director of the Arboretum at Penn State in August.
“Our Association has never been stronger,” said MaryLynn Mack, the Association’s Board President. “During the last decade under Casey’s leadership, the Association has roughly 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, the Association conducted in-person and virtual events of the highest quality through the toughest of times. While Casey will truly be missed, the Association is well positioned to advance our vision of creating a world where public gardens are indispensable.”
“I came into this role from a garden as a dedicated member of the Association,” Sclar stated. “I have loved watching it grow while working with terrific people, and now get the chance to pursue my dreams of garden leadership with an incredible opportunity that unites all my interests – people, plants, and pollinators. I won’t just be a member again. I’ll be an ambassador for the Association.”
Under Sclar’s leadership, the Association’s Board of Directors adopted four core values in 2021 that have been embedded throughout all they do. 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.
