Meet our Leadership Team
Brian Trader, Ph.D.
President/CEO
A visionary and community-minded leader, Brian Trader, Ph.D., brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his position as President and CEO. Brian’s background includes leadership management at premier public gardens, horticultural expertise, and a commitment to community.
Learn More About BrianAlice Baker
Chief Advancement Officer
Alice has worked in higher education and nonprofit organizations since 1998 and brings to the Garden her strong background of successful fundraising experience. She is known for building collaborative relationships and her deep sense of commitment to the community. She oversees all charitable contributions to the Garden, including Annual Fund, Corporate Giving and Planned Gifts.
Learn More About AliceKaren Clowers
Director of Volunteers
Director of Volunteers Karen Clowers is a people person. She loves working with her “family” of over 600 volunteers at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Volunteers were instrumental in the formation of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and volunteers continue to play a major role in the Garden today. From weeding, planting, and pruning, to welcoming guests, helping out in the butterfly exhibit, and giving tours of our Garden, volunteers are the lifeblood of the Garden and Karen is their fearless leader, liaison and cheerleader.
Learn more about Karen
Danny Cox
Vice President, Horticulture
A leader in public horticulture for more than a decade, Danny Cox oversees the Horticulture Department, setting the vision for the curation, growth, and maintenance of botanical collections. He combines lifelong passions for plants and people by creating innovative landscape displays that inspire and delight visitors and celebrate Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s diverse membership.
Learn more about Danny
Ken Myers
Vice President, Facilities
After a 20+ year career working in museums and historic preservation, Ken is excited to bring his expertise to a historic public garden setting. He looks forward to playing an important role in the Garden’s planned Capital projects as outlined in the Garden’s 2020–2024 Strategic Plan, Unearthing Our Potential (PDF).
Learn More About KenMary Heather Parch
Chief Marketing & Experience Officer
Mary Heather Parch brings her passion for leading teams to create storytelling and experiences that resonate with diverse audiences to her role as Chief Marketing & Experience Officer. Her enthusiasm for her long-ago adopted home of Richmond inspires her efforts to invite people to enjoy Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and its programs.
Learn More About Mary HeatherSteve Parkins
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer Steve Parkins brings over 30 years of experience in the finance field, and over 20 years of experience in the Richmond nonprofit community. He is committed to sound and transparent financial management that enables nonprofit leaders and boards of directors to make incisive and timely decisions that support their organization’s mission. Steve is responsible for budgeting, forecasting, external audit and financial reporting and analysis.
Learn more about SteveMitzi Shifflett
Vice President, Accounting and Administration
Mitzi is a dedicated and detail-oriented accounting professional and has worked at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden since 1999. During that time, the department has grown from a small operation to a robust department including the divisions of Accounting, Human Resources and Project Management, which she oversees.
Learn More about MitziKristin Thoroman
Vice President, Learning and Engagement
Kristin has been a part of the Garden team since the fall of 2010, when she joined the Children’s Garden staff as the Early Childhood Program Developer. Her passion for connecting people led into the role of Exhibitions Manager, where she worked closely with colleagues, volunteers, and the community to develop and produce exhibitions that complemented the inherent beauty of the Garden while providing new and innovative opportunities for visitor engagement. As the Director of Education and Exhibitions, Kristin now leads a team of 16 full-time equivalent employees with the goal of engaging visitors of all backgrounds and ages—from toddlers to seniors— in active experiential learning.
Learn More About KristinFrank Robinson
President Emeritus
Frank retired from the Garden on March 31, 2015. He has provided leadership to the Garden since 1992, first as Executive Director, then as President & CEO, and now as President Emeritus.
Learn More About Frank