Donna McGinnis is the next CEO of Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens’ Board Chair Mary Lee Chin says, “Our new CEO brings dynamic character and thoughtful leadership at a time when public gardens have never been more essential. She understands the vital role our institutions play in addressing today’s challenges and is deeply committed to advancing mission-driven priorities such as community outreach, climate change research and regenerative agriculture while propelling the Gardens toward an even more inclusive, impactful, and sustainable future."

McGinnis adds, “I have a passion for making gardens a place for all, removing barriers that may prevent some from visiting. I believe that a meaningful approach to community and positive change requires genuine, vulnerable relationship building and I am dedicated to doing so.”

Under her leadership, Naples Botanical Garden more than doubled its budget, visitation, membership and staff. She also successfully led strategic planning and fundraising at Missouri Botanical Garden and Missouri History Museum. She led a $100+ million capital campaign at Missouri Botanical Garden and a recent $20 million campaign for a new horticulture facility at Naples. In 2024, she co-authored the book, “Fundraising Management in a Changing Museum World,” with Kate Brueggemann of Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo.

McGinnis serves as the President of the Board of Directors of the American Public Gardens Association and is an active member of the International Advisory Council of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). She helped elevate Naples Botanical Garden as the Secretariat of the Caribbean and Central American Botanic Garden Network, a collaboration of more than 200 gardens.