American Horticultural Society Names New President/Ceo

From AHS: After an extensive national search, the American Horticultural Society (AHS) is pleased to announce the selection of Beth Tuttle as its next President and CEO. Tuttle, who will officially join the AHS on October 30, brings to the role more than 25 years of experience as a nonprofit leader, organizational consultant, and brand strategist.

"Beth has exceptional leadership experience from her work in cultural, educational, and advocacy organizations, as well as a personal passion for gardening and the natural world, so we are thrilled to have her join us," says Amy Bolton, Chair of the AHS Board of Directors. "She arrives at a pivotal time for this organization, when our mission of getting more Americans to actively embrace their connection with plants and the environment is increasingly important for human and planetary health."

Tuttle is currently President and CEO of DataArts, a respected national resource for in-depth data about the finances and activities of cultural nonprofits. Before joining DataArts in 2013, she was managing director of METStrategies, LLC, which provides strategic counsel, planning, and branding services to cultural, philanthropic, and social benefit organizations. A well-known thought-leader in the museum and cultural sector, Tuttle is co-author of Magnetic: The Art and Science of Engagement(AAM Press, 2013), a best-selling study on the practices of high-performance museums. She has served as deputy director and chief of external relations and planning for the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and senior vice president for communications for The Freedom Forum and Newseum. In the advocacy arena, Tuttle has worked with America’s Promise Alliance, which is dedicated to helping young people achieve success.

“I am passionate about gardening and dedicated to promoting horticultural education and knowledge about the beneficial relationships between plants, planet, and people,” says Tuttle. “I believe in the essential role that gardeners of all ages and walks of life play in creating healthy, livable communities and am excited to have this opportunity to advance their efforts with the rich horticultural resources and sound scientific information that have been the AHS’s hallmark.”

A graduate of Brown University, Tuttle is a certified Master Gardener Volunteer who helped to establish the community and school garden at George Washington Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia. In becoming the 33rd president in the AHS's 95-year history, she takes over from Holly H. Shimizu, who has been serving as Interim Executive Director during the national search process following the departure of previous Executive Director Tom Underwood in February.

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