Donna McGinnis named next CEO of Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens announced that after an intensive six-month executive search, its board of trustees unanimously appointed Donna McGinnis as the next CEO, effective Feb. 2, 2026.

McGinnis has served as CEO of Naples Botanical Garden in Florida since 2017. She will succeed Brian Vogt, the Gardens’ CEO of 18 years who passed away in March 2025.

Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd, the Gardens’ director of marketing and social responsibility, served as interim CEO during the search.

"Denver Botanic Gardens has a remarkable reputation and impact, not just in Colorado, but across North America’s public garden sector," McGinnis said. "I had the pleasure of working with Brian Vogt on some national industry initiatives, and I have been inspired by the inclusive approach to people, plants, education and conservation that flourished under his leadership. I am honored to be trusted to lead the Gardens in its next chapter."

Under her leadership, Naples Botanical Garden more than doubled its budget, visitation, membership and staff. She also successfully led strategic planning and fundraising at Missouri Botanical Garden and Missouri History Museum.

She led a $100-plus million capital campaign at Missouri Botanical Garden and a recent $20 million campaign for a new horticulture facility at Naples. In 2024, she co-authored the book, “Fundraising Management in a Changing Museum World,” with Kate Brueggemann of Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo.

"I have a passion for making gardens a place for all, removing barriers that may prevent some from visiting," McGinnis said. "I believe that a meaningful approach to community and positive change requires genuine, vulnerable relationship building, and I am dedicated to doing so.”

McGinnis serves as the president of the board of directors of the American Public Gardens Association and is an active member of the International Advisory Council of Botanic Gardens Conservation International. She helped elevate Naples Botanical Garden as the Secretariat of the Caribbean and Central American Botanic Garden Network, a collaboration of more than 200 gardens.

"Our new CEO brings dynamic character and thoughtful leadership at a time when public gardens have never been more essential," said Denver Botanic Gardens’ Board Chair Mary Lee Chin. "She understands the vital role our institutions play in addressing today’s challenges and is deeply committed to advancing mission-driven priorities such as community outreach, climate change research and regenerative agriculture while propelling the Gardens toward an even more inclusive, impactful and sustainable future."