New Executive Director Hired for The Gardens at Heather Farm

Announcement from the Gardens at Heather Farm:

The Board of Directors of The Gardens at Heather Farm is pleased to announce that Deb Grove will be joining us as our new Executive Director beginning July 15, 2014.

“We are pleased to welcome Deborah to our team. She brings a wealth of leadership experience from her participation on non-profit boards, as well as enterprise and startup companies. Her commitment to public gardens is in evidence from her work with the Conservatory of Flowers, Quarryhill Botanical Garden, and the Arboretum at California Veteran’s Home in Yountville,” said Joan Lucchese, Board Vice President.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Gardens at Heather Farm.  The ongoing commitment and contributions by volunteers to the wellbeing of the garden, in addition to the vibrant energy of our new staff, mean we can re-focus on our mission to delight and inspire our Walnut Creek neighbors.  Over the next several months we’ll be expanding our programs on sustainable gardening and stewardship practices,” added Deb Grove.  “The affection for the Garden is discernible in the care provided by volunteers and the Board’s close work with Beth Schecter, the Garden’s highly regarded Interim Director. 

A Bay Area resident since 1988, Deborah has accumulated 15 years of local Board experience in addition to management and executive positions in the private sector. Her passion for public gardens motivated her to visit more than 50 internationally and across the USA.   

Deb earned a graduate degree from Thunderbird Global School of Management and a Certificate in nonprofit management from UCLA. She has worked in Asia and Europe as well as locally in Silicon Valley.

Deb Grove possesses specialized skills in strategic planning, board governance, branding, social media analytics, corporate sponsorships, and visitor experiences.  Her skills and commitment to the world of public gardens will greatly enrich our community. 

It is an exciting time for The Gardens and we encourage you to come and enjoy our beautiful garden and stop by to meet our new Executive Director. 

For more information please check our website at www.gardenshf.org or call The Gardens (925) 947-1678.