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

Amy Eckhoff, Vice-Chair
Justin White, Vice-Chair
Ellen Fairchild, Chair
Gary Barnes, Secretary
Scott Burnett
Kristopher Dabner
Mary O’Connor
Nicholas Powell
Ruthie Rinehart
Guy Swanson, Treasurer
Tom Isenberg
Susan Spencer
Doug Nelson

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, Specialist, Development
Sharon Ramsey, Director of Development
Marty Arvizu, Specialist, Events and Programs
Maggie Reno, Development Officer
James Healy, Specialist, Corporate Partnerships

Education

Julie Wise, Coordinator, Education

Horticulture

Donna Covell, Lead Horticulturist
Chloe Hough, Gardener
Maura Hennie, Gardener
Michelle Bromely, Gardener, Grower
Floyd Whitaker, Gardener
Christian Van Matre, Senior Gardener
Heather Clenin, Plant Records Registrar
Brent Tucker, Lead Horticulturist
Dakota Lepker, Senior Gardener, Production
Susan Mertz, Director, Horticulture
Naomi Chastain, Lawn Technician
Ryan Joseph, Manager, Natural Resources
Lyza Cooper, Gardener
Zoe Aber, Horticulturist
Matt Hockaday, Horticulturist
Eric Perrette, Lead Horticulturist
Philip Bishop, Assistant Director, Horticulture

Marketing

Emma Robertson, Assistant Director, Marketing & Communications
Laina Burdette, Specialist, Marketing

Private Events

Destiny Valluzzi, Coordinator, Private Events
Shelley May, Special Events Assistant
Wayne Nevils, Special Events Assistant
Kristen Blodgett, Coordinator, Private Events

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

Visitor Experience

Rhonda Schulte, Visitor Experience
Roland Thibault, Visitor Experience
Gary Miller, Tram Driver
Don Priebe, Tram Driver
Steve Wance, Tram Driver
Ken Marcotte, Tram Driver

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.

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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! 🌸

Open
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.

Open
⭐ 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. ❄️☺️🎄

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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

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