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“Her legacy will impact generations to come.”
(Green Bay, WI) (July 25, 2023) – Green Bay Botanical Garden. It’s a beloved community nonprofit and a nationally acclaimed botanical garden. Now, after more than 15 years at the helm of Green Bay Botanical Garden, President & CEO Susan Garot has announced she will retire in late spring 2024.
“The timing is right to hand off this nonprofit to the next generation leader, who will undoubtedly take the Garden to even greater heights,” Garot stated. During her tenure, Garot led the incredible growth experienced by the Garden, including:
- Growing the Garden from about 12 acres to more than 25 developed acres.
- Growing Garden assets from $4 million to over $30 million, which includes increasing the endowment by nearly five times its size.
- Growing Garden membership from 1,600 to nearly 6,000 members.
- Establishing the Garden as one of the top places to visit in Green Bay.
“The accomplishment that is nearest and dearest to my heart was helping raise $13.3 million to expand the children’s garden from half of an acre to two and a half acres,” Garot shared. “It brought me a lot of joy to see so many come out to celebrate the Carol & Bruce Bell Children’s Garden during our recent ribbon cutting. Seeing children and people of all ages have so much joy while interacting with nature made everyone smile. It’s an experience that will keep them coming back.”
Garot also thanked her leadership team, staff, board, and volunteers for the growth of the Garden. “I could not have done this on my own,” she said. “Our success is because of a collective effort and passion for the Garden by so many people. It’s been incredible.”
“Susan is leaving the Garden in an amazing state. She has helped the Garden grow into a high-functioning place that adds to the quality of life in our community, and we can’t thank her enough,” shared Terri Trantow, Chair of Green Bay Botanical Garden’s Board. “Her successor will be able to come in and hit the ground running, building on Susan’s success. It’s a legacy that will last for generations to come.”
A national search for Garot’s successor will begin in late fall, with details to be announced in November. Garot will continue to lead the Garden throughout the search for her successor and will assist with the transition to the new President & CEO before formally retiring in spring.
