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 info@mainegardens.org.
Gardens Staff Leadership
Gretchen Ostherr
President/CEO
Marissa Stewart
HR Director
Anna Hunt
Chief of Staff
Jen McKane
Vice President of Philanthropy & Marketing
Katie Hey
Marketing & Communications Director
Amy Root
Capital Campaign Director
Michael Scherger
Vice President of Finance and Infrastructure
Carob Arnold
Facilities Director
Cathy Messmer
Finance Director
Daniel Ungier
Vice President of Guest Experience and Education
Tasha Aikens
Guest Experience Director
Kathy King
Culinary Director
Vanessa Smith
Gardenshop Director
Melissa Cullina
Vice President of Plants & Science
Christopher Elenstar
Horticulture 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
Kirsten Poler, Vice Chair
Todd Leland, Treasurer
Margaret Reiser, Secretary
Paul Goodof
Abra Lee
Steve Malcom
Mary Neal
Luc Nya
Laurie Patton
Ann Poole
David Rines
Lisa Sockabasin
Paula Swetland
Louise McIlhenny, Ex Officio
Directors Emeriti
Barbara Alfond
Donna Burkhardt
John Giles
Updated July 2026