A visionary and community-minded leader, Brian Trader, Ph.D., brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden where he has served as President and CEO since early 2021. Brian’s background includes leadership management at premier public gardens, horticultural expertise, and a commitment to the community. Brian believes in the healing power of gardens — as a place people can come to be nurtured and restored — and is passionate about connecting people and plants to improve the community.

Previously, Brian served as Deputy Executive Director and Director of Horticulture at the Delaware Botanic Gardens where he managed one of America’s newest public gardens. During his time there, he expanded two garden areas, secured competitive grants, and built a programming calendar to engage diverse communities. Previously, he served as Director of Domestic and International Studies at Longwood Gardens, one of the preeminent gardens in the United States and internationally. During his tenure at Longwood, Brian mentored and supervised over 700 emerging public horticultural professionals from around the world and collaborated with public garden leaders throughout the world to facilitate research, student and staff exchange, and outreach.

Read more about Dr. Trader here