Tulsa, OK. July 8, 2025 – Tulsa Garden Center proudly announces a new generation of leadership, presenting Andy Fusco as its Executive Director. Rising through the ranks from Intern to Executive Director, Fusco is reenvisioning the future of Woodward Park.
Since 2021, Fusco has served as the Director of Horticulture at Tulsa Garden Center and most recently as Acting Executive Director. In those roles, he was dedicated to nurturing future generations of horticulturists and nature enthusiasts through impactful educational and volunteer programming. His success can be measured in many ways but is most evident in his collaborative partnerships and strong networking, visionary goal setting, and commitment to building a sustainable future for Woodward Park. Prior to those roles, Fusco was Curator of Lakeside Promenade at Tulsa Botanic Garden. During his time as Graduate Assistant at Oklahoma State University, he conducted research on Oklahoma Native Plants and Wildflower Garden Establishment, which continues to contribute to the field of horticulture. The full circle is complete when we recognize that Fusco was a star Intern at Tulsa Garden Center in 2017. This experience led to him earning his Masters of Horticulture Science with emphasis on Public Garden Management in addition to a Certificate in Non-Profit Management.
During his time at Tulsa Garden Center, he has been recognized by countless Plant Societies of Woodward Park, our numerous non-profit partners, and by the Tulsa Parks Department for his leadership and forward-thinking. Beyond Tulsa Garden Center, he is highly respected by and involved in American Public Gardens Association (APGA), our industry’s professional north star. Having led panels, professional development sessions, and being instrumental in winning the Dorothy E. Hansell Marketing Award in 2024, Fusco is a champion of Public Gardens in Tulsa and beyond. Fusco was also named the Hope Goddard Iselin Fellow in Public Horticulture in 2020 by The Garden Club of America; an honor awarded to only one person a year.
Exhibiting his commitment to life-long learning, Fusco became a Certified Arborist in 2024, which was put to practical use in the recent Arboretum Restoration in Woodward Park. This project has invested nearly $1 million in privately-raised funds by planting 32 new trees in the Arboretum, planning for new accessible connected walkways, and upgrading vital infrastructure enhancing the Park without drawing on City operational dollars. In a collaborative partnership with Tulsa Parks Department, Fusco is setting his sights on Woodward Park Master Planning efforts next. “We are laying the groundwork for a future where one of Tulsa’s original public gardens is nurtured through partnership, protected through expertise, and made accessible for all.” Fusco states.
Born and raised in Tulsa, Fusco has a deep connection and commitment to Woodward Park. With a background in film and storytelling, Fusco recognizes the importance of creatively weaving the stories of our community into Woodward Park’s long history to make the Park whole. For more than 70 years, the Tulsa Garden Center has been horticultural headquarters, offering inclusive educational experiences and engaging programs that reflect a deep commitment to environmental education, community access, and the preservation of Woodward Park’s legacy. Fusco is committed to building Tulsa’s oldest public garden into a thriving community hub through strong partnerships, shared stewardship, and a commitment to sustainable growth that benefits all who love and care for the Park.
Tulsa Garden Center at Woodward Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide a variety of horticultural education opportunities for the community and to serve as the horticultural headquarters for the Tulsa area. They can be reached by email at info@tulsagardencenter.org or by phone at 918-576-5155.
