Powell Gardens employs a diverse staff to maintain, grow, promote and evolve the Gardens and the organizational vision and mission.
Tabitha Schmidt
CEO/President
Tabitha Schmidt joined Powell Gardens in the summer of 2016 as CEO and President. She has important goals for her work at the Gardens, including growing the organization in meaningful ways that invest in a long-term, sustainable future. She has extensive background in non-profits and educational institutions, having held such positions as the Director of Cultural Arts at the Jewish Community Center, Executive Director of the Museum of Texas Tech University, Director of the School for Continuing and Professional Studies at the Kansas City Art Institute, Associate Educator of Adult Learning/Manager of Tour Programs at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Director of Instruction/Arts Partners Coordinator at Kansas City Young Audiences and Student Activities Coordinator/Adjunct Art and Art History Faculty at Maple Woods Community College. Tabitha earned a B.A. in Art from Baker University and an M.A. in Art History from UMKC.
Kunso Kim
Vice President of Gardens
Horticulture
David Breedlove, Gardener, Visitor Education Center
Donna Covell, Horticulturist, Production & Greenhouse
Haley Drake, Gardener, Heartland Harvest Garden
Travis Freeman, Senior Gardener, Woodland & Stream/Chapel Garden
Mark Gawron, Horticulturist, Heartland Harvest Garden
Ambur Gossen, Senior Gardener, Island Garden
Kelsey Gustin, Gardener
Janet Heter, Department Coordinator, Horticulture
Duane Hoover, Horticulturist, Kauffman Memorial Garden
Bryan Kottke, Supervisor, Core Gardens
Eric Perrette, Horticulturalist, Plant Collections
Gabe Perry, Horticulturist, Grounds & Natural Resources
Brent Tucker, Horticulturist, Seasonal Events & Visitor Center Display Beds
Matt Hockaday, Gardener
Maintenance
Mark DeBrot, Electrician
Dave Wilson, Maintenance Assistant
Troy Young, Supervisor, Maintenance
Tyler Young, Maintenance Assistant
Education, Interpretation & Outreach
Kristy Peterson
Director of Education, Interpretation & Outreach
Bobi Hallak, Volunteer Coordinator
Mark Sharp, Coordinator, K-12 and Family Programs
Emalie Wance, Coordinator, Education Department
Advancement
Molly Kenney
Director of Development
Hali Mieser, Coordinator, Development Events
Sarah Raffurty, Coordinator, Development Services
Administration
Dan Schmidt
Interim CFO
Kalie Hudson
Director, Visitor Experience & Marketing
Angie Guynes, Visitor Experience Manager
Dale Dolash, Custodial Supervisor
Hannah Kloster, Assistant Manager, Special Events
Erin Parish, Assistant, Special Events
Dina Burmmit, Custodian