Q: What excites you most about working for Holden Forests & Gardens?
A: My excitement surrounding Holden Forests & Gardens is immeasurable. I am eager to experience the year-long beauty of both the Cleveland Botanical Garden and the Holden Arboretum. I also look forward to learning about the nationally recognized research, education, and conservation efforts underway, and am eager to connect with supporters, partners, and friends of HF&G.

Q: What are your hobbies or interests?
A: I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts (my go-to is The Moth, dedicated to the craft of storytelling), using the Merlin Bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and visiting museums and cultural organizations of all types.

Q: What’s your go-to way to recharge after a busy week?
A: My favorite way to recharge is to take a long walk outdoors, breathe fresh air, and experience nature. I enjoy this activity in all kinds of weather, even in the rain and snow!

Q: What is your favorite place and why?
A: I enjoy retreating to Harbor Country, Michigan, each summer with my family. The area encompasses several coastal towns in Southwest Michigan with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, great food, and fun wineries. The area is also a short train ride away from Chicago, for a convenient day trip to the city.

Q: What book are you reading right now (or one that you would recommend)?
A: I am currently reading Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. It is about servant leadership and the deep responsibility of caring for others as a core part of leadership.

Q: What is a “Fun Fact” about you?
A: I can play the clarinet.

Q: What is your favorite plant, flower, or tree?
A: Peonies are my favorite flowers. I have many peony bushes in my yard that are approximately 70 years old. Each spring, I look forward to their beauty and fragrance.

Q: What’s one thing people misunderstand about working in development?
A: A common misunderstanding in the development industry is that its sole focus is to raise funds. While financial support is an absolutely vital component of development, other important measures of success include fostering a sense of trust, deep engagement, and shared purpose with supporters, partners, and friends to sustain and strengthen an organization’s mission.

Q: Who has been a mentor or inspiration in your life, and what did they teach you?
A: My grandmother taught me to embrace gratitude and resilience as core values. These two ideals continue to serve me well personally and professionally in every situation.

Q: What do you see as the biggest opportunity for philanthropy at HF&G in the next few years?
A: Holden Forests & Gardens has a deep and meaningful history of generosity. Eleanor Squire’s remarkable donation of horticultural books, which inspired the formation of the first civic garden center, and Albert Fairchild Holden’s bequest to establish a philanthropic trust for the creation of an arboretum for the people of Cleveland both paved the way for future generations of gifts, support, and growth at HF&G. As I begin to think about the incredible milestone of honoring our organization’s rich legacy and centennial in fiscal year 2030-2031, I believe the spirit of generosity will continue to bolster our ability to connect people with the wonder and beauty of nature at HF&G.  I look forward to building on this enduring legacy of support as we envision, plan, and develop enhanced experiences for visitors and make exciting investments in education, science and conservation for generations to come.