Leadership & Staff

Powell Gardens employs a diverse staff to maintain, grow, promote and evolve the Gardens and the organizational vision and mission.

Senior Executives

Cody Jolliff, CEO

Donna Young, COO

Board of Directors

Ellen Fairchild, Chair

Gary Barnes, Secretary

Scott Burnett

Kristopher Dabner

Mary O’Connor

Doug Nelson

Lyn Lakin, Board Member

Bruce Monke

Administration

Rikki Hays Clawson, Director, Human Resources

Tacey Beard, Specialist, Administration

Campus Services

Debora Williams, Campus Superintendent

Christopher Heller, Lead, Campus Services

Heather Lawrence, Assistant, Campus Services

Development

Amanda Tempel, Manager, Membership & Volunteer Programs

Sharon Ramsey, Director of Development

Marty Arvizu, Specialist, Events and Programs

Maggie Reno, Development Officer

James Healy, Specialist, Corporate Partnerships

Kristy McNeil, Specialist, Development & Diversity

Education

Julie Wise, Coordinator, Education

Horticulture

Philip Bishop, Director, Horticulture

Eric Perrette, Lead Horticulturist

Matt Hockaday, Horticulturist

Zoe Aber, Horticulturist

Ryan Joseph, Manager, Natural Resources

Naomi Chastain, Lawn Technician

Dakota Lepker, Senior Gardener, Production

Brent Tucker, Lead Horticulturist

Heather Clenin, Plant Records Registrar

Christian Van Matre, Senior Gardener

Michelle Bromley, Gardener, Grower

Maura Hennie, Gardener

Chloe Hough, Gardener

Visitor Engagement

Caitlin Eckard, Assistant Director, Visitor Engagement

Paula Elledge, Director, Visitor Engagement

Destiny Valluzzi, Coordinator, Visitor Engagement-Events

Robyn Weber, Manager, Visitor Engagement-Visitor Experience

Jamie Runyon, Manager, Visitor Engagement-Programs, Festivals and Signature Events

Marketing

Emma Robertson, Assistant Director, Marketing & Communications

Laina Burdette, Specialist, Marketing

Private Events

Shelley May, Special Events Assistant

Wayne Nevils, Special Events Assistant

Property & Facilities

Mark DeBrot, Manager, Property & Facilities

Troy Young, Lead, Maintenance

Fletcher Carlile, Assistant, Property & Facilities

Dave Chastain, Assistant, Maintenance

Security

Bobby Cox

Dale Dolash

Wayne Nevils

Wayne Smith

This #GivingTuesday, give the gift that grows all year long —your time! 🌱💚

Powell Gardens thrives thanks to the dedication of our volunteers. From seasonal planting to event support, every hour you give brings beauty and joy to our community.

Donate your time and join a team that loves Powell Gardens as much as you do! Ready to help Powell Gardens grow? Click the link in our bio to learn more about volunteering.

Today only, use code “SAVE15” for 15% off all Powell Gardens memberships—new, renewed, or one to give as a gift! Memberships support Kansas City’s botanical garden and unlock a year of beauty and adventure at Powell Gardens. 🎁🌱

Click the link in our bio to join the Powell Gardens community before the deal ends at midnight! 🌸

⭐ Evergy Festival of Lights Food, Drink, and Shopping Guide ⭐

The Marketplace at Powell Gardens
Garden-inspired and locally made gifts, including Powell Gardens grown poinsettias. Sweet and savory snacks and drinks are also available.

Terrace Room
An indoor pop-up café space with savory and sweet treats, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. Sugar cookie painting kits are available!

Grand Hall Bar + Bites
Beer, wine, hot chocolate, and hot cider (with spiking options!) in the Visitor Center. New charcuterie cones at this location!

Powell Gardens Express Station
Warm up in the Garden Galleries greenhouses with hot chocolate or cider amidst botanical and holiday train displays.

Holly Jolly Rest Stop
Festive outpost with warm drinks (spiked and not!), hot food, sweet and savory snacks, and a full selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Don’t miss fire pits or climbing to the top of the Silo!

Sip & Sugar Coffee Shop
Enjoy a cup of local roasted coffee (including a new “Uniquely Powell” blend from Post Coffee!) along with fresh bakery sweets and treats. Browse unique and traditional toys, games, candies, and gifts while you sip.

Evergy Festival of Lights is open TONIGHT! Parking lots and pathways have been cleared; we can’t wait to see you soon. ❄️☺️🎄

Looking to #OptOutside today? Evergy Festival of Lights is open! Join us for a lighted, outdoor stroll through Powell Gardens from 5-10 p.m.

🎅 Santa is visiting the Children`s Garden from 5-9 p.m. tonight and tomorrow!

Tickets linked in bio. #powellgardens #festivaloflightskc

Happy Thanksgiving from Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden! What are you thankful for today?

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