Stewards of a shared green future
The nonprofit Conservancy leads the creation, funding and care of the garden on behalf of our community.
Role & Responsibility of the Conservancy
The Roderick Gay Botanical Garden Conservancy is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the long-term growth, stewardship and public mission of the Roderick Gay Botanical Garden.
Working collaboratively with the City of College Park and community partners, the Conservancy helps guide the Garden's development as a regional destination for plant conservation, environmental education, cultural enrichment, recreation and tourism.
How the Conservancy serves the Garden
Garden Stewardship
Support the responsible care, preservation and continued enhancement of the Garden's landscapes, plant collections and natural resources.
Strategic Planning
Help establish long-term priorities that advance the Garden's mission, improve the visitor experience and support responsible growth.
Educational & Cultural Programming
Develop and support programs, exhibits and activities that encourage learning, creativity and a greater appreciation of plants, nature and local history.
Conservation Leadership
Promote plant conservation, environmental awareness and sustainable practices that protect the Garden's natural and cultural resources.
Fundraising & Partnerships
Build relationships with donors, foundations, businesses and community organizations to attract private support, grants and other resources for the Garden.
Community Engagement
Create opportunities for residents, volunteers, educators, students and community partners to participate in and support the Garden's mission.
Visitor Experience
Help create a welcoming, accessible and inspiring destination where people of all ages can enjoy, study and connect with plants and nature.
Public Awareness & Tourism
Promote the Garden as an educational, cultural and ecotourism destination serving College Park, South Fulton, the Atlanta metropolitan region and visitors from around the world.
Our Commitment
The Conservancy is committed to advancing the Garden’s public mission through responsible stewardship, collaborative partnerships and meaningful community involvement. Its work helps ensure that the Roderick Gay Botanical Garden will remain a treasured place for conservation, education, recreation and inspiration for generations to come.
Meet the team growing the garden
Dr. Amara Whitfield
Executive Director
Botanist and public-garden leader with 20 years shaping community green spaces.
Marcus Delgado
Director of Horticulture
Award-winning horticulturist specializing in southeastern native flora.
Priya Nair
Director of Conservation
Ecologist leading pollinator and imperiled-species programs.
James Okonkwo
Director of Education
Educator building lifelong-learning programs for all ages.
Meet the Board
A dedicated group of civic, horticultural and community leaders guiding the Conservancy.
Botanist and civic leader guiding the garden’s long-term vision and governance.
Dr. Amara Whitfield
Board Chair
Community advocate focused on access, equity and public partnerships.
Gregory Alston
Vice Chair
Finance leader stewarding the Conservancy’s resources with transparency.
Sandra Okafor
Treasurer
Attorney and lifelong gardener supporting governance and policy.
Daniel Reyes
Secretary
Educator championing youth programs and community engagement.
Michelle Carter
Board Member
Business leader supporting corporate partnerships and fundraising.
Robert Hayes
Board Member
Landscape architect advising on design and ecological restoration.
Angela Foster
Board Member
Sustainability strategist guiding the garden’s conservation goals.
Thomas Nguyen
Board Member
Board portraits and names shown are representative placeholders and will be updated as the Conservancy publishes its official roster.
Champions behind the garden
The Roderick Gay Botanical Garden is made possible through the vision of dedicated public leaders and the City of College Park & Fulton County partnership.
Roderick Gay
Founder & City Councilman, College Park
The garden’s namesake and champion, who spearheaded the vision for a public botanical garden in South Fulton.
Bianca Motley Broom
Mayor, City of College Park
Civic leader supporting the project through the City of College Park.
Robb Pitts
Chairman, Fulton County Commission
County partner advancing the regional ecotourism vision.