Selby Gardens board extends CEO’s contract by 10 years

Jennifer Rominiecki praised for success in efforts related to fundraising and ‘setting clear vision’ for attraction’s future

A rendering shows the design proposed for the new arrival area and Welcome Center at Selby Gardens. Image courtesy City of Sarasota

The Board of Trustees of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota recently extended its contract with President and CEO Jennifer O. Rominiecki for another 10 years, Michael J. Wilson, board chair, announced on Aug. 17.

“The Board reached this decision based on Jennifer’s success over the past three years — including overhauling Selby Gardens’ fundraising and business operating model and setting a clear vision for its future,” Wilson wrote in an email blast to members, volunteers and friends of Selby Gardens.

“This contract affirms our confidence in the direction Jennifer has set for Selby Gardens,” he added. “Early on in this role, she has delivered impressive results and helped guide Selby Gardens through the early stages of our new master site plan.”

Last year, Rominiecki and the board announced plans for an approximately $67-million project to expand the facilities on Selby Gardens’ 14.73 acres at 926 S. Palm Ave. near downtown Sarasota. They include a new Welcome Center, a “sky garden,” a parking garage with about 450 spaces and a public restaurant, as well as state-of-the-art conservatories and a center for botany research and interpretation.

Earlier this year, Rominiecki addressed the Sarasota County Commission, expressing Selby Gardens’ interest in receiving county Tourist Development Tax revenue to assist with the project.

1 thought on “Selby Gardens board extends CEO’s contract by 10 years”

  1. Sadly, a parking garage seems a crazy addition to the walkable beauty of Selby and legacy a “home place”. This was meant to be enjoyed for it’s tranquility and gardens, hardly a place for roof top parties in that neighborhood.The City is rapidly losing the charm of its green space, history and what makes it unique in Florida . Sad sight to see.

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