Meet Denise Gammon, Visitor Center Associate
by Jonah Holland, PR & Marketing Coordinator, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
If you are a regular at the Garden, you know we have an outstanding admissions staff to welcome you to the Garden when you arrive. Recently, we welcomed a new face to our front line staff — Visitors Center Associate Denise Gammon. Director of Guest Services, Kim Dove, explains that Denise will be working in both admissions and membership, which will improve the visitor experience. “Denise’s role in splitting time performing admissions and membership related functions will provide her with a wider spectrum of guest benefits knowledge which translates directly to better service and a more engaging and informative experience for our guests.”
I’ve met Denise and she is one cool chica! We can’t wait for you to meet her in person when you come check in at Admissions, but until then, you can get to know her virtually. Take it away Denise….
As a Visitor Services Associate I work in both Visitor Services and in Membership. This means that I am able to be at the front desk to greet all of our wonderful guests, give them information about the garden and answer any questions. I also work “behind the scenes” in Membership where I am able to input the information given to us by new or renewing members so that they are able to enjoy all the perks of being a member for another year or two. I really like that I work up front and behind-the-scenes. I feel it gives me a unique experience; I am able to put faces to names and names to faces by helping manage Membership information and by meeting guests at the front desk.
Visitors Center Associate Denise Gammon
Q: What’s your favorite part of the Garden?
A: As of right now, I really enjoy the Children’s Garden and the Grace Arents Garden. I love the colors of the Children’s Garden, the pretty ribbons that float in the breeze, but I also can’t say no to anything that has a bit of a Victorian flare.
Q: Tell us something that surprising about you that people might not know.
A: I do costumed interpretation for Maymont Mansion. I have been a maid, a lady and a suffragist!
Q: Where did you work before you came to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden?
A: Valentine Richmond History Center and Maymont Foundation (in the Mansion).
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: Knit profusely, crochet a little, and read a lot. I also have a boyfriend and a dog to maintain. 🙂
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Mostly the West End of Henrico, but I spent a great deal of time in Goochland where most of my extended family lives.
Q: What part of Richmond do you live in?
A: Currently, a tiny apartment in the West End of Henrico with a boyfriend, a roommate, a dog, a cat, and about 12 fish…. Soon to a house in Southside (Yay space!).