Gardens Leadership

Our leadership team works together with our staff of more than 85 year-round people to steward the Gardens and advance our mission to inspire meaningful connections between people and nature and promote plant conservation through horticulture, education, and plant science.

For general inquiries or help connecting with the right department, please contact us at (207) 633-8000 or

Gardens Staff Leadership

Gretchen Ostherr
President/CEO

Marissa Stewart
HR Director

Anna Hunt
Chief of Staff

Jen McKane
Vice President of Philanthropy and Marketing

Katie Hey
Marketing and Communications Director

 

Melissa Cullina
Vice President of Plants and Science

Christopher Elenstar
Horticulture Director

 

Daniel Ungier
Vice President of Guest Experience and Education

Tasha Aikens
Guest Experience Director

Kathy King
Culinary Director

Vanessa Smith
Gardenshop Director

Michael Scherger
Vice President of Finance and Infrastructure

Carob Arnold
Facilities Director

Cathy Messmer
Finance Director

 

Board of Directors

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a Board of Directors, including Directors Emeriti.

Mark Osborn, Chair
John Auber, Chair Elect
Jeff Long, Treasurer
Kirsten Poler, Secretary

Karen Bartholomew
Paul Goodof
Abra Lee
Todd Leland
Keith Mestrich
Mary Neal
Helen Norton
Luc Nya
Ann Poole
Margaret Reiser
David Rines
Paula Swetland
Louise McIlhenny, Ex Officio

Directors Emeriti

Barbara Alfond
Donna Burkhardt
John Giles

Updated July, 2025