Ventura Botanical Gardens (VBG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world-class botanical garden and cultural landmark, has chosen Dr. Joe Cahill as its first-ever Executive Director. New Board President Dr. Tracy Long and Vice President Barbara Brown join Dr. Cahill.
Dr. Joe Cahill is a professional botanist who has served VBG in a leadership capacity for 8 years. He has a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of California Riverside and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in Manhattan. He is an adjunct professor at California Lutheran University and has over 20 years work experience in a combination of botanic gardens, conservation non-profits and NGOs, Convention on Biological Diversity, and horticulture.
“I am honored and excited to devote myself to serve as the first Executive Director of Ventura Botanical Gardens,” Dr. Cahill. “The Gardens are a unique public-private partnership with the City of Ventura and a valuable resource for our community to learn about and celebrate nature conservation. As Executive Director, I look forward to seeing the gardens grow into a world-class legacy that will be enjoyed for generations.”
Dr. Tracy Long, a board member since 2010, will serve as President of the Ventura Botanical Gardens. Dr. Long is an applied anthropologist with a doctorate in human and organizational systems.
Barbara Brown is the founding partner of BBM&D Strategic Branding, one of the largest branding firms in the area. She is a Commissioner for the City of Ventura Public Arts Commission, is on the Advisory Board for Interface Children & Family Services and serves as Chair of the Sister Cities Cultural Exchange focused on cultivating international awareness and understanding. She is a Charter Member of the Ventura Botanical Gardens and has been on the board for six years.
