East Texas Arboretum Announces Leadership Transition

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Press Release

The East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society (ETABS) is building on the growth it experienced in 2024 by transitioning to a new executive director.

The arboretum’s current executive director, Jennifer Garcia, will step down in February to take a new position with a children’s museum on the East Coast. The search for a new arboretum director will begin immediately, according to Emily Heglund, chairman of the ETABS board of directors.

“Since the summer of 2023, when she took on the executive director role, Jennifer has led the arboretum with passion and determination,” Heglund said. “We are sad to see her go but wish her nothing but the best in her new role.”

“Jennifer’s leadership has been key to helping us tackle several projects, such as the restoration of the Wofford House heritage exhibit, the creation of our Log Laboratory outdoor learning space and the Hanson Learning Meadow, and building a security fence around all 104 acres, which we expect to complete in 2025,” Heglund said.

A 501c3 nonprofit organization, ETABS comprises 104 acres and features hiking trails, paved walking paths, several heritage exhibits, cultivated flower beds, a children’s garden, and the Henderson County Veterans Memorial. Educational opportunities include weekly homeschool programs, free field trips for public schools, summer camp sessions, monthly community workshops, guided hikes, and annual fundraisers. Private rentals are also available for such events as weddings, birthdays, portrait photography, and more.

In addition to directing the daily activities of the arboretum, the ETABS executive director is responsible for promoting the organization throughout Henderson County; building and maintaining donor relationships; budget creation and management; creating new and relevant programs; and working with the ETABS board of directors to guide the organization into the future.

The board is seeking candidates with experience in nonprofit administration, budget management, educational programming, public speaking, fundraising, marketing and communications, volunteer management, and donor relations, Heglund said.

For more information, visit www.easttexasarboretum.org.