2025 Board of Directors Nominees

The American Public Gardens Association is committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture where the contributions of all community members are valued, respected and appreciated.  The Association also seeks to encourage and support its members in creating this same culture within their own institutions.

Nominees to the Board of Directors are approved by vote of the Institutional Members.
One representative from each Institution shall be designated to vote for that Institution.

VOTES ARE ACCEPTED THROUGH 5PM ET FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025

LEADERSHIP

President - Donna McGinnis

Donna McGinnis is President & CEO of Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida. Under her leadership, the Garden has grown into a world-class cultural institution and an engine of applied environmental science. The Garden is a global player in plant conservation, specializing in the native species of Southwest Florida and the Caribbean.

Board member since 2019.

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Vice-President - Ennis Anderson

Ennis Anderson is the CEO of Lauritzen Garden in Omaha, Nebraska, a 100-acre urban oasis garden. He came to Lauritzen from the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, where he served as Senior Vice President of Operations& Guest Services of the newly merged Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Before the transition, he was Chief Financial Officer for the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

Board member since 2021.

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Treasurer - Michelle Conklin

Michelle Conklin, Executive Director of the Tucson Botanical Gardens, began her career working for a broad spectrum of businesses, which included managing law, architectural and civil engineering firms. She expanded her skills by working as a sales executive for a financial management software company, and for a television network affiliate. Nearly 25 years ago she launched her career as a nonprofit leader, spanning the gamut from leading a Michigan visual and performing art center, a regional theater and an air and space museum.

Board member since 2021.

AT LARGE

Gerald Dieleman

Gerald Dieleman is the Senior Director of Horticulture at Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. A landscape architect by training and with experience in public gardens, he has held roles at Longwood Gardens (USA) and the Royal Horticultural Society (UK).

As part of APC’s Leadership Team, Gerald plays a key role in advancing a sustainable, world-class park model. He was instrumental in developing The Leaf, a landmark horticultural attraction that opened in December 2022, one of Canada’s most significant botanical projects in generations.

Michelle Martin Bonner

Michelle Martin Bonner is Director, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Missouri Botanical Garden. A passionate and dynamic leader in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, dedicated to creating spaces where everyone can thrive. With a wealth of experience in human resources, recruiting, leadership development, facilitation, and coaching, she has made a lasting impact in science and conservation, healthcare, academia, and legal sectors.

Ed Moydell

Ed Moydell joined Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) in September 2023 as President and CEO, leading the organization that includes two of Northeast Ohio’s most important environmental and cultural institutions – the 3,500-acre Holden Arboretum in rural Kirtland, Ohio and the 11-acre Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland’s University Circle district. HF&G’s mission is to connect people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities.

Cristina Salvador

Cristina Salvador is Director of Science and Conservation at Santa Fe Botanical Garden. A dedicated ecologist with a deep-rooted passion for plant conservation. She discovered her interest in ecology while studying Ecuador’s tropical coastal forests, her parents’ native country. Her work with public gardens, universities, and government agencies has advanced the conservation of endemic plants in Hawaii, California, Panama, and New Mexico.

Expectations of Service

Members of the Board of Directors of the American Public Gardens Association commit to these responsibilities:

  1. Following the Board of Directors Code of Ethics and signing an Annual Affirmation of Compliance and Disclosure Statement.
  2. Attending all Board of Directors meetings; on site when meetings are in person and online when meetings are virtual. Each Board member pays their own travel expenses.*
  3. Attending the Annual Conference. Each Board member pays their own registration and travel expenses.
  4. Serving on at least one Committee and attending its meetings. (Most committee meetings are virtual.)
  5. Staying informed by reading APGA communications (e-news, social media, etc.).
  6. Reviewing materials before Board and Committee meetings.
  7. Responding promptly to requests for information, scheduling notices, etc.; meeting deadlines.
  8. Ensuring their organization maintains an APGA membership.
  9. Providing introductions to potential sponsors and supporters when able.
  10. Making a personal contribution to APGA annually. There is no required minimum gift.
  11. Participating in the acknowledgment and stewardship of members, volunteers, sponsors, and donors.

* Board members from small gardens unable to support travel expenses may receive reimbursement for on-site Board meetings. The CEO will work individually with each Board member requesting this assistance. However, each Board member is expected to register for and attend the Annual Conference at their own expense.