BOARD CO-PRESIDENT

Michelle is a nonprofit leader with 25 years of experience advancing environmental and community missions. Since 2019, she has served as Director of Philanthropy and Marketing for the Anchorage Park Foundation, leading strategic initiatives to strengthen organizational capacity and expand community impact. Her background includes leadership with the National Audubon Society in Alaska, nearly a decade running a nonprofit consulting practice serving clients across Alaska and California, and launching a regional coalition promoting sustainable gardening in the San Francisco Bay Area. Active in the community, she serves on the boards of the Anchorage Audubon Society and the Alaska Botanical Garden. Michelle completed her undergraduate studies at Indiana University and earned a graduate degree from the University of Denver. She enjoys exploring Alaska’s outdoors with her family year-round.

BOARD CO-PRESIDENT

Stefanie, an educator specializing in team-building, joined the Board in January 2023. She is dedicated to showcasing Alaska’s beauty by cultivating a welcoming space where all can learn and grow. A passionate gardener, she values sustainability and has a special appreciation for the primula and meconopsis collections as well as the Learning CSA. She also treasures ABG’s creative programs and hands-on learning that spark curiosity and wonder. 

BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

Justin is Vice President of the Board, Chair of the Facility Expansion Committee, and serves on the Executive and Finance Committees. A principal architect at ECI with over fifteen years of experience, he supports the Botanical Gardens in planning for its future built environment. His earlier work as a commercial lending credit analyst focused on small business and real estate, continues to inform his architectural practice and work with the gardens by linking finance and building. With graduate studies focused on environmental design, Justin integrates landscape and architecture, creating spaces that respond to both practical needs and the natural setting.

BOARD TREASURER

Rebecca serves as the Treasurer of the Alaska Botanical Garden Board.  Rebecca has over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit world.  She holds a Masters degree in Finance/Accounting.  Her expertise is in managing large scale projects for healthcare and technology organizations.  Rebecca has successfully completed projects both on time and within budget.  She looks forward to using her skills to support ABG staff in keeping the gardens a prominent and affordable attraction for Alaskans.  Rebecca loves all ABG events, especially the winter lights and dinners in the garden.  Her favorite garden is the rock garden and its diversity of plants.

BOARD SECRETARY

As a retired elementary teacher with a strong outdoor education background, Susan has been an asset to the Garden for curriculum development, for beginning an education program, for extending garden projects out into the community and for encouraging a love of nature experiences. A passionate gardener who has served many years on the Board, she also opened Lighthouse Gardens for fund raising opportunities. Long term involvement now provides the necessary historical perspective and appreciation for the Garden’s evolution. She values all that the Garden offers but is particularly grateful for the committed, resilient staff.

BOARD MEMBER

Crystal is a founder and part-owner of Toast of the Town, an event planning & management agency based in Anchorage, Alaska. She has over 10 years of experience working with non-profit clients to help fundraise and develop marketing strategies around their brand and message. With a passion for the outdoors and building community, she values the vital role ABG plays in Alaska in sharing its natural wonders with others who travel to this great state. 

BOARD MEMBER

Brian hopes to help ABG become a stronger entity and develop strategies to capture some of the massive transfer of wealth occurring as "baby boomers" transition to new life forms. He joined the Board in January 2022. Brian’s goals as a Board member are to listen, help out, and transmit positive energy. His favorite aspect of the garden is the Arctic Kiwi.

BOARD MEMBER

Claire brings her experience as the owner of Boreal Bioscapes Garden Design, along with her lifelong passion for gardening and the outdoors. She has served on the Board since 2020. Claire’s goals are to foster a Board that is diverse, engaged and effective, and to see the ABG grow as a community hub for gardening knowledge and inspiration. Claire loves the peace brought from strolling through the garden in any season, and she enjoys spending time with members of the gardening community at ABG events.

BOARD MEMBER

Kirsten brings a strategic mindset and extensive leadership experience in nonprofit operations to the Alaska Botanical Garden. She has overseen key support departments—including Marketing, Development, Grant Writing, and Wellness Education—ensuring mission-driven growth and organizational sustainability. Her background in guiding cross-functional teams and advancing educational initiatives aligns with the Garden’s goals of outreach and community enrichment. Kirsten joined the Board in January 2022 and is committed to ABG’s future—for its impact on the Anchorage community and the meaningful role it plays in her family’s traditions.

BOARD MEMBER

Ken is a retired landscape architect. He practiced privately in Alaska from 1975-1992 and with the National Park Service, Alaska Region Office (Anchorage) from 1992-2002, plus part time until 2011. He looks forward to contributing whatever service he is able to further the goals and mission of the Garden. Ken’s favorite aspects of the Garden are native plants and the creative use of lights to bring more people into the garden.

BOARD MEMBER

Shannon has a background in development and philanthropy through her work at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward. She hopes to bring that knowledge to aid the ABG. Shannon joined the Board in January 2022. She wants to help the Garden to grow in scope and recognition so that all Alaskans can enjoy its natural wonders. Shannon’s favorite aspect of the Garden is the Peonies.

BOARD MEMBER