BOARD PRESIDENT

Shannon has a background in development and philanthropy through her work at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward. She hopes to bring that knowledge to aid the ABG. Shannon joined the Board in January 2022. She wants to help the Garden to grow in scope and recognition so that all Alaskans can enjoy its natural wonders. Shannon’s favorite aspect of the Garden is the Peonies.

BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

James joined the Board in January 2023. He looks forward to bringing his organizational, project management and financial expertise to the Garden. James’ goals as a Board member are to participate in fulfilling the mission of ABG, to look to new opportunities to integrate the Garden into the community, and to learn. He enjoys evening events held at the Garden, along with all aspects of ABG’s design.

BOARD TREASURER

Rebecca is an avid gardener, with more love of gardening than skill, and is experienced in the non-profit world, including financial and technology management. Rebecca joined the Board in January 2022. She looks forward to using her skills to assist ABG staff in keeping the gardens a prominent and affordable attraction for Alaskans. Rebecca loves all ABG events, especially the winter lights and dinners in the garden. Her favorite garden is the rock garden and its diversity of plants.

BOARD SECRETARY

Susan is a retired elementary teacher, passionate gardener, and volunteer, who has served on the ABG Board for many years. Her goals are to support the education program and continue to support growth of the Garden. She values all that the Garden offers, but is particularly grateful for the committed, resilient staff.

BOARD MEMBER

Stefanie is an educator. Her strengths are building innovative, high-performance groups who work together toward a shared goal. She also is an avid gardener who understands the intentionality and resources it takes to create, maintain, and sustain a growable space. Stefanie joined the Board in January 2023. Her goals as a Board member include advocating, educating, and promoting the aesthetic beauty and calm that "A Garden in the Land of the Midnight Sun" offers. In addition to the primrose, peony, and Himalayan poppy collections, Stefanie loves the CSA Guided Gardening and Picnics in the Garden.

BOARD MEMBER

Brian hopes to help ABG become a stronger entity and develop strategies to capture some of the massive transfer of wealth occurring as "baby boomers" transition to new life forms. He joined the Board in January 2022. Brian’s goals as a Board member are to listen, help out, and transmit positive energy. His favorite aspect of the garden is the Arctic Kiwi.

BOARD MEMBER

Claire brings her experience as the owner of Boreal Bioscapes Garden Design, along with her lifelong passion for gardening and the outdoors. She has served on the Board since 2020. Claire’s goals are to foster a Board that is diverse, engaged and effective, and to see the ABG grow as a community hub for gardening knowledge and inspiration. Claire loves the peace brought from strolling through the garden in any season, and she enjoys spending time with members of the gardening community at ABG events.

BOARD MEMBER

Kirsten is a strategic thinker with experience supervising support departments in a non-profit organization, including Marketing, Development, Grant Writing and Wellness Education. Kirsten joined the Board in January 2022. She looks forward to supporting the growth of the garden as a venue for educational and artistic opportunities, and wants to use her knowledge and experience to guide both the growth and the sustainability of the organization. Kirsten and her young daughter love the holiday lights and have built a family tradition around attending the summer picnics with friends.

BOARD MEMBER

Michelle is a nonprofit professional with more than 20 years of experience strengthening organizations driven by strong teams empowered to advance environmental and social causes. When she is not working, she is often outside enjoying the great outdoors with her family. Michelle joined the Board in January 2022. Her goal as a Board member is to support the ABG staff and Board in meeting their mission. Michelle loves the diversity of year-round events at ABG, especially holiday lights, wreath making classes, and BOOtanical.

BOARD MEMBER

Ken is a retired landscape architect. He practiced privately in Alaska from 1975-1992 and with the National Park Service, Alaska Region Office (Anchorage) from 1992-2002, plus part time until 2011. He looks forward to contributing whatever service he is able to further the goals and mission of the Garden. Ken’s favorite aspects of the Garden are native plants and the creative use of lights to bring more people into the garden.

BOARD MEMBER

Justin joined the Board in 2023. His strengths include planning, design and financial analyses. He considers himself a novice gardener. Justin looks forward to assisting ABG with fulfilling its mission of promoting the beauty and value of plant material to the community. The herb garden is his favorite of all ABG gardens.

BOARD MEMBER