Meet our Leadership Team

Board Members

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.

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Alice 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.

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LaToria Barham

Human Resources Manager

LaToria Barham is a human resource professional well-versed in customer-focused approaches to business and relationship-building. She has experience in both non-profit and corporate settings. LaToria’s success in the workforce demonstrates discipline, energy, and a desire to work hard and excel. She is known for her leadership, resourcefulness, and loyalty. LaToria is a life-long learner an active collaborator and most of all, a true people person. The most rewarding part of her position is assisting employees with complex issues.

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Karen 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.

 

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Kim Dove

Chief Operating Officer

Kim is an expert in hospitality, organizational leadership and staff development. She possesses a true passion for people and logistics, embracing the Garden’s core value of hospitality as we work to welcome visitors, members, volunteers and staff from Richmond’s diverse communities.

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Beth Monroe, APR

Chief Marketing Officer

Strategic public relations and marketing have helped propel Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to one of the region’s top destinations and national recognition. With a strong background in nonprofit and higher education, Beth leads public relations and marketing efforts at the Garden, bringing people and plants together to improve communities.

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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).

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Steve 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.

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Mitzi 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.

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Kristin 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.

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Frank 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.

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