Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG) announced that Dave Baker has been appointed as DBG Treasurer and member of the DBG Board of Directors.

Sander said, “We are honored that Dave has agreed to return for a second tour of duty as DBG Treasurer. Dave served as our Treasurer from July to December 2021, when he was called on by President Biden to become State Director of Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dave brings a wealth of management and financial experience to the gardens, with over three decades of unique experience as a leader in Sussex County Government. That service included 14 years as Director of Finance and then six years as the top Sussex County Administrator. Dave also has a decade of experience in the private sector as a financial advisor at American Financial and Ballast Financial.”

Dave Baker noted, “I have always believed that nonprofits like Delaware Botanic Gardens are key components of the fabric, which holds the Sussex County community together and improves the quality of life for all of us. Delaware Botanic Gardens and all their dedicated staff and volunteers are a perfect illustration of that. This wonderful public botanic garden in Sussex County is an exciting and fantastic addition to our community. DBG is preserving our beautiful coastal environment with a team that believes in an inspiring mission.”

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director noted, “Dave was involved in the original acquisition of the 37-acre Cannon Tract Farm in Sussex County, which later, thanks to the Sussex County Land Trust, became the DBG home site. So, Dave has come a full circle as the DBG Treasurer.”

The Delaware Botanic Gardens are open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4 :00 p.m., located at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939. Go to www.delawaregardens.org. The mission of the Delaware Botanic Gardens is to create a world-class, inspirational, educational, and sustainable public botanic garden in southern Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all.