New York Botanical Garden Executive and Leadership Team

Jennifer Bernstein, the Chief Executive Officer & Senior President, The William C Steere of The York Botanical Gard at New York Botanical Garden, directs the overarching strategic vision for this historic non-profit institution. Overseeing institutional growth and public outreach, the Chief Executive Officer & Senior President, The William C Steere of The York Botanical Gard ensures alignment between conservation goals and educational programming. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and securing the financial future of the organization. By championing the mission of plant study and exhibition, Jennifer Bernstein drives the expansion of public programs across the North American landscape. The Chief Executive Officer & Senior President, The William C Steere of The York Botanical Gard maintains rigorous standards for botanical research while fostering community partnerships. Through consistent focus on organizational excellence, Bernstein secures the long-term viability of the garden as a premier center for environmental education and scientific discovery.

Emily Schwarz, the Chief Financial Officer at New York Botanical Garden, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for this expansive non-profit entity. Overseeing budgetary planning and long-term financial sustainability, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments support the core mission of plant conservation and public education. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of endowment funds and operational expenditures across all departments. By optimizing revenue streams from educational programs and visitor services, Emily Schwarz directly impacts the ability of the organization to maintain its vast botanical collections. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the Board to ensure transparency and compliance in all fiscal matters. Through disciplined financial management, Schwarz provides the necessary resources for the garden to continue its vital work in the Bronx and beyond, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the advancement of botanical science and community engagement.

Lauren Turchio, the Chief Operating Officer at New York Botanical Garden, directs the daily operational functions and facility management for this prominent non-profit organization. Overseeing the maintenance of the grounds and the logistics of public exhibitions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures a seamless experience for visitors and researchers alike. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental workflows to maximize efficiency in the delivery of adult education and children's gardening programs. By streamlining internal processes, Lauren Turchio supports the broader mission of the garden as a hub for environmental study. The Chief Operating Officer manages infrastructure projects that preserve the integrity of the historic site while accommodating modern technological needs. Through proactive management of operational assets, Turchio enables the institution to scale its impact, ensuring that the garden remains a vibrant, accessible destination for the public while upholding the highest standards of botanical care.

Brian Sullivan, the Vivian and Edward Merrin Vice President at New York Botanical Garden, architects the horticultural strategies and landscape management for the extensive grounds. Overseeing the cultivation and display of diverse plant species, the Vivian and Edward Merrin Vice President ensures that the living collections meet both aesthetic and scientific criteria. This leadership role involves managing specialized teams dedicated to the preservation of rare flora and the design of seasonal exhibitions. By integrating sustainable gardening practices, Brian Sullivan enhances the ecological value of the site for the benefit of the public and the scientific community. The Vivian and Edward Merrin Vice President collaborates with researchers to ensure that the living collections serve as a resource for ongoing botanical study. Through meticulous attention to horticultural detail, Sullivan maintains the reputation of the garden as a world-class destination for plant enthusiasts and environmental scholars.

Michael Balick, the Vice President for Botanical Science at New York Botanical Garden, directs the research initiatives and scientific programs that define the institution as a leader in plant conservation. Overseeing the study of plant diversity and ethnobotany, the Vice President for Botanical Science ensures that the organization contributes meaningful data to the global scientific community. This leadership role involves managing research teams and fostering collaborations with international academic partners to address critical environmental challenges. By advancing the understanding of plant life, Michael Balick supports the educational mission of the garden through evidence-based programming. The Vice President for Botanical Science coordinates the publication of research findings and the curation of herbarium specimens. Through rigorous scientific inquiry, Balick drives the development of conservation strategies that protect biodiversity, ensuring that the garden remains at the forefront of botanical discovery and environmental advocacy on a global scale.