Garden’s New President & CEO: Brian Trader

I can’t think of a time when our society has needed the respite and healing of gardens and nature more. This is just one of the many reasons I’m honored and humbled to join Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. I started as President and CEO on January 4, and have spent my first few weeks getting to know the incredible team of board, staff and volunteers. With a new year comes great promise and excitement, and this is definitely the case for 2021.

A Message from the Garden’s New President & CEO Brian Trader, Ph.D.

Moving and starting a new job in the midst of a pandemic has had its challenges, but everyone has been incredibly warm and welcoming. In a way, it feels like coming home. I am originally from Virginia and earned my doctorate in horticulture from Virginia Tech. Over the years I’ve visited and watched Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden evolve into one of the nation’s finest public gardens. I feel as if the Garden and I have “grown up” together.

Most recently, I was Deputy Executive Director at Delaware Botanic Gardens, one of the country’s newest public gardens. Prior to that, I was at Longwood Gardens, well known as one of the preeminent gardens in the U.S. and internationally. I hope to bring the best of both experiences to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and continue building on well-established core values: a garden that is inspiring and innovative with a culture of responsibility and integrity and a focus on hospitality as a welcoming space for everyone.

My vision is to work with you to continue building Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden as a relevant and accessible garden for all. I look forward to meeting you over the coming months, either virtually or in-person, as conditions allow. Let’s hope we’ll soon enjoy the Garden together as we work towards a bright future.

Sincerely,

Brian Trader, Ph.D.
President & CEO
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden