BOYLSTON, MA, April 21, 2026 – New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill recently announced the appointment of Fred Wheeler as the new Facilities Director. With more than 27 years of experience at complex facilities, Wheeler brings valuable technical knowledge and leadership expertise to the Garden. The nonprofit organization, based in Boylston, MA, marks its 40th anniversary this year. Garden facilities include indoor spaces that span more than 50,000 square feet and encompass the Visitors Center, café, event rental spaces, educational classrooms, staff offices, and more. Wheeler’s many responsibilities include leading an array of facility enhancement projects that make the Garden safe and accessible while expanding the organization’s capacity to offer even more for its visitors.

“We are excited to welcome Fred as the new Facilities Director,” says Grace Elton, CEO of New England Botanic Garden. “His leadership experience and specialized skills will surely enhance our garden facilities as we continue to grow as an inclusive, accessible world-class garden in the years ahead.”

Prior to coming to New England Botanic Garden, Wheeler devoted nearly three decades to the The Arc of Opportunity in Fitchburg, MA, where he oversaw complex residential and commercial portfolios, as well as capital projects, with specialized focus on ADA-compliant environments, operational excellence, and long -term infrastructure strategy. He is widely recognized for his ability to align facilities management with organizational missions, ensuring that physical environments not only meet regulatory standards, but actively support the people and communities they serve.

“I am pleased to join the team at New England Botanic Garden,” says Wheeler. “I am particularly energized by the opportunity to help care for a campus where buildings, landscapes, and infrastructure must work in harmony with nature.”

To learn more about New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill visit www.nebg.org.

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Photo Caption and Credit: Fredrick Wheeler, Facilities Director at New England Botanic Garden. Photo by Megan Stouffer/New England Botanic Garden.

About New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, is a nonprofit organization located at 11 French Drive in Boylston, Massachusetts. A regional destination, the Garden is operated on nearly 200 acres by the Worcester County Horticultural Society, one of the oldest of its kind in the country, and is open to the public for garden viewing, trail walking, educational programs, private events, weddings, exhibitions, and more. In 2023, New England Botanic Garden was voted “Top Botanic Garden in the U.S.” by TravelAwaits. New England Botanic Garden is an AAM-accredited museum that includes an irreplaceable collection of plants and creates opportunities for visitors to experience the wonder of plants, learn about the natural world, and make joyful connections. Learn all about New England Botanic Garden including its history, mission, and its staff at www.nebg.org.

Media Contact
Liz Nye, Public Relations Manager
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Office: 508-869-6111 ext. 143 | Mobile: 518-526-3060
lnye@nebg.org