FWBG - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board
- Director of Investment Administration, University North Texas Foundation, Denton, Texas
Job Titles:
- Innovative Learning Manager for Special Programs
Education:
BA Anthropology, University of Georgia
MA Museum Science, Texas Tech University
Anna joined the Education team at FWBG|BRIT in June of 2021. Her role is to develop and implement engaging environmental educational programs for homeschoolers, Scouts, special needs groups, and summer camps. She brings 9 years of experience in informal science education and has taught at (and learned from) incredible sites such as the Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark, Science Spectrum, and Dallas Arboretum. During her career she has been fortunate to facilitate a wide range of informal science education programs, including live animal shows, fire and liquid nitrogen demonstrations, kayak instruction, planetarium programs, and outdoor lessons in all manner of Texas weather.
Anna's driving goal is to foster a love of lifelong learning and appreciation for the natural world in children and their families. Experiences outdoors, in museums, and at nature sites have been formative in her own personal and academic development, and she hopes to facilitate similarly impactful experiences for the public as well.
Anna is on the board of the Informal Science Education Association of Texas.
Bob Byers joined FWBG | BRIT in October 2020 as Assistant Director and Vice President of Horticulture and was named Executive Vice President in 2021. He brings more than 26 years of public gardens experience serving continuously as Fort Worth Botanic Garden Director since 2015.
Previous experience includes working as a landscape architect in Wisconsin, Florida, Alabama, and Arkansas before a 21-year career as the Director of Operations and Associate Executive Director for Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Bob also taught design, planting design, plant materials, and agricultural engineering at the University of Arkansas.
Prior board service includes several plant societies, including the Old Garden Rose Committee of the American Rose Society. For the American Public Gardens Association, Bob has served as chair of the College and University Gardens and the Planning and Design Sections. Career publication and presentation topics range from plant conservation and climate change to home gardening and landscape design.
While he loves music and earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree, Bob also earned a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from Louisiana State University building upon a childhood love of gardening and plants working alongside his parents in the family garden. He enjoys growing vegetables and flowers in his Willow Park home garden and learning more about the large and varied Texas flora.
Department
Executive
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- President & General Manager, Southwest Exposition & Livestock Show, Fort Worth, Texas
Brooke Johnson serves as the Membership Coordinator at FWBG | BRIT. She is inspired by museum organizations that provide immersive, experiential learning opportunities for visitors such as public gardens, art galleries, zoos, and science centers. Brooke is excited to continue developing engaging educational events and interdisciplinary programming for the Fort Worth community at FWBG | BRIT.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, and a Bridging Disciplines Program Certificate in Museum Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. As a Fort Worth Native, Brooke grew up visiting FWBG and continues to nurture a love for both indoor and outdoor plant care today. She enjoys developing her creative practice as an experimental photographer through which she utilizes a museological lens to examine the relationship between humans and the natural world that surrounds them. In addition to the curatorial projects and arts organizations she has led, her personal artwork has been exhibited in arts organizations including including Artspace111, Tropical Contemporary, Fusebox International Performing Arts Festival, and The Museum of Human Achievement.
https://brookejohnson.format.com/
Department
Advancement
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Advancement Coordinator / Education
Caroline Jones serves as the Advancement Coordinator at FWBG | BRIT. She focuses on acknowledging donations and maintaining donor records to expand the Advancement department's fundraising efforts and strengthen donor relationships with her professional background of writing, editing, marketing, financial administrative support, and database management.
As an (almost) lifelong Fort Worth native, she earned a Bachelor of English with a Creative Writing Concentration from Samford University in Birmingham, AL before returning to work at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and later at Regions Bank's Commercial branch in uptown Dallas. She enjoys spending her down time meeting with one of her book clubs, fossil hunting, and exploring the outdoors with her dog.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board
- President of the Board / Vice President, Investment Strategy Director, Diesslin Group, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Early Childhood Program Manager
Cheryl happily discovered a career as an informal educator while working for the Imaginarium of South Texas in Laredo. Upon moving to Fort Worth, she continued as a contract informal educator specializing in art and science integration. She has strong connections to Fort Worth community organizations through her contract work, and continues to strengthen those relationships as part of the BRIT Education Team. Cheryl enjoys exploring her love of nature and early childhood education at BRIT with Bella the Begonia, and is thrilled to use her acquired knowledge and skills as part of this dynamic education team.
At BRIT Cheryl's main focus is on implementing and expanding the Bella preschool programs. This includes the Bella, Books, and Botany program, which teaches science thinking concepts to preschool students through quality children's literature and hands-on science activities. The program also provides professional development to pre-K teachers so that they are better prepared to teach and discuss science both in their classroom, as well as outdoors. In addition to early childhood education, you can find Cheryl behind-the-scenes at CampBRIT in the summer as the Camp Coordinator - ensuring that our camp facilitators are prepared, well supplied, and delivering quality experiences to children who attend.
Department
Education
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Marketing and Communications
- Vice President of Marketing and Communications / Education
Chris Smith joined BRIT in 2019 and currently serves as marketing and communications VP for FWBG | BRIT. She brings more than 25 years of experience with a focus on nature storytelling.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Director of Administration & Human Resources
- Director of Administration & Human Resources / Education
Growing up in Washington State, the woods around her home were Connie Johnson's playground and land of imagination, leading to her true affinity with plants. She came to BRIT in 2013 as a new resident of Texas by way of New Mexico, Colorado, New England, and Northern California. She and her family have no plans to move again and she's working to incorporate "ya'll" into her daily language. As an avid animal (especially dogs) and nature lover, and mother of a young daughter, Connie enjoys working for an organization that promotes the value of plants and cares about sustainability and saving the planet for future generations.
Connie is an accomplished administrator who brings people and leadership skills to BRIT along with experience working in government, corporate environments, and with non-profit agencies. Her communication and interpersonal skills contribute to organizational synergy, and encourage mutual trust and respect. She collaborates with the senior leadership team and human resources on organization-wide initiatives, works closely with board members, and enjoys helping staff and management work through growth, changes, and challenges.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Board Treasurer / Owner, Craig Hamilton & Company
Crissa Nugen is a Horticulture Educator who has a passion for connecting people to plants and nature. She is confident that "the more you know, the stronger you will grow" and strives to offer adult education programming that will always keep the Garden visitors exploring, discovering and engaging!
Crissa holds a Master's of Science degree in Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences from Tarleton State University and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree. Her background includes owning a wholesale nursery and landscape company as well as instructing Horticulture classes at Tarleton State University. Crissa believes her work at FWBG|BRIT is the culmination of her career, and where all of her horticulture passions have come together.
Crissa loves being in nature and watching plants grow and spends all her extra time in her garden at home. When she is not gardening, she enjoys camping, fishing, canning, stitching and reading.
Department
Education
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Advisory Director / Assistant City Manager, Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Education Committee
- Member of the Chair, Education Committee
- Chairman, Education Committee / Community Volunteer, Keller, Texas
Job Titles:
- Chairman, Horticulture Committee / Community Volunteer, Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Co - Founder BRIT, Vice Chair of the Board President, Fine Line, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas
- President, Fine Line, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Fort Worth Community Volunteer
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Fort Worth Community Volunteer
Job Titles:
- Membership Program Manager / Education
Emma Bruce Birkhead serves as the Membership Program Manager at FWBG | BRIT. As an accomplished non-profit administrator, Emma is passionate about cultivating and maintaining a robust membership program through building meaningful relationships, providing exciting events and opportunities, and improving overall guest experience.
In addition to managing the membership program, Emma also serves on the Board of Advisors as the Financial Advisor to the Sigma Alpha Iota - Zeta Nu chapter at the University of Texas at Arlington. Emma received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Oklahoma, and enjoys spending her down time making music and exploring the outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Guest Services & Operations
- Vice President of Guest Services & Operations
Ennis Anderson IV currently serves as Senior Vice President of Guest Services & Operations for FWBG | BRIT. He joined BRIT in January 2020 after serving as Chief Financial Officer with the Fort Worth Botanic Garden since 2016.
Previous experience includes a 15-year career in senior hotel management, including positions as General Manager, Director of Operations, Director of Guest Services, and Director of Food and Beverage. During this time, he oversaw budgets up to $44 million, managed renovations exceeding $10 million, and opened several hotels from the ground up.
Ennis has a distinguished and proven track record of increasing levels of customer service while also increasing bottom-line profits. His credentials include Lean Six Sigma Green Belt™, Certified Revenue Manager, and several CRM application certifications.
He currently serves on the Program Selection Committee of the American Public Gardens Association and has served on the City of Fort Worth's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Ennis was awarded a White House Communications Agency Certificate of Appreciation for his coordination and logistical planning of several presidential hotel visits.
Ennis earned a Bachelor of Art in History from Baylor University. He enjoys watching the Baylor Bear football team and spending time with his wife and two daughters.Seniro
Department
Guest Services & Operations
Executive
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Amarillo National Bank, Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Research Administrative Assistant / Education
Erin started with BRIT in the summer of 2019 as the conservation intern. In January 2020, she officially joined the team as a conservation project facilitator. She spent three years with the conservation team, working on various grant based projects and in the BRIT Conservation seed lab, she moved into her current role as the Research Administrative Assistant.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Landowner Board
- Secretary of the Board / Vice President, MBL, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Managing Partner, Mediserv, Ltd., Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- President, Jetta Operating Company, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Chairman, Facilities & Operations Committee / President & CEO, Ventamatic Ltd., Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Member of the Landowner Board
- President of the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board
- Secretary of the Board / Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Manager, Amegy Bank of Texas, Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Education Program Manager
Joanne was raised on a farm in northwest Minnesota and was taught the value of respecting the natural world from a young age. She attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. As an educator, she enjoyed writing curricula and developing hands-on activities that allowed students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. After spending thirty-two years in the classroom, she has retired from teaching public school.
Joanne is committed to being a lifelong learner and spends her time reading, caring for animals and making her backyard into a mini-farm. She is excited to use her passion for nature and learning to bring engaging activities to the Fort Worth community.
Department
Education
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- President, Maloney Strategic Communications, Dallas, Texas
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Frost Bank, Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Education Operations Assistant
Kaylan joined the FWBG|BRIT staff as a facilitator, and in July 2022 became the Education Operations Assistant providing administrative support to education programs and volunteer services. She is excited to gain experience working in informal education and learn more about the administrative side of e-STEM programming.
Kaylan considers herself a lifelong learner and is always looking for fun ways to gain more knowledge. She hopes that those who visit the Garden leave wanting to know more, and have a newfound appreciation for nature. In her free time, Kaylan can be found attending concerts, visiting museums, reading, or spending time with her corgi, Flynn.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance
- Director of Finance / Education
- Director of Finance for BRIT
Keri is the Director of Finance for BRIT. She provides oversight to the finance and accounting team that serves the organization and she works closely with the Leadership team at FWBG|BRIT as well as actively participates in the supporting boards (Landowners and Foundation). Before leading the finance and accounting team, Keri worked on various international and local research projects that included the Andes to Amazon Biodiversity Program, research in New Guinea, and local research that includes collaboration with the General Services Administration (GSA) on a High Performance Landscape Project. She received her B.S. and M.S. in biology from Texas Christian University before joining BRIT in 2004. She is currently working on obtaining her MBA from the University of Texas at Arlington. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and sharing her love of nature with her family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Fort Worth Community Volunteer
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Secretary of the Board / Co - Founder, L Marketing Collective, Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director of Corporate Relations / Education
Leah Hersey serves as the Director of Corporate Relations on the Advancement team at FWBG l BRIT. Her focus is to engage Fort Worth companies with the world-class exhibits brought to the Garden and the corporate experiences available here. Her professional background includes marketing, event planning, and investor relations, most recently at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.
She has lived in Fort Worth most of her life and graduated high school from Harmony School of Innovation, then moved to Temple Terrace, Florida to gain a B.A. in Organizational Communication at Florida College. She served as the President of Rotaract and the Vice President of the Student Body Governance Association while there. She is now a member of the Rotaract Club of Fort Worth, local Partner for Success BNI chapter, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Fort Worth Chapter.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Director of Leisure Sales & Hispanic Partnerships, Visit Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Marketing Committee
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Chairman, Marketing Committee / Doctor of Dental Medicine, Comprehensive Dental Care, Fort Worth, Texas
Maureen McKenna has spent more than 25 years in the non-profit world, first working for a variety of museums throughout the U.S. before coming to work part-time at BRIT in 2019.
In her current role as Grant Writer, she researches and develops proposals, working with colleagues across the organization. As a strong believer in lifelong learning and the importance of caring for the environment, she appreciates the opportunity to help secure support for the many impactful programs of FWBG | BRIT.
Maureen received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania and her M.A. from Tulane University in Louisiana. She also was awarded a Certificate in Proposal Writing by the Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center at the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee
- Member of the Chair, Nominating & Governance Committee
- Chairman, Nominating & Governance Committee / Shareholder, GreenbergTraurig, Dallas, Texas
Job Titles:
- Chairman of Finance & Audit Committee
- Chairman, Finance & Audit Committee / Managing Partner, Hartman Wanzor LLP, Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- President
- CEO and President / Education
Patrick Newman joined FWBG | BRIT in May 2021 as Chief Executive Officer. He brings more than 14 years of public gardens experience, serving most recently as executive director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Prior to the Wildflower Center, Patrick was director of programs for the Red Butte Garden in Utah. Before that, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Azerbaijan, where he taught English and Science. He is currently active with the American Public Gardens Association and serves as facilitator of the Directors of Large Gardens.
Patrick earned a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Utah.
In addition to being a self-identified plant nerd, Patrick is also an avid runner, having completed 47 marathons in 31 states. He enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with his wife, two daughters and their dogs, Charlie and Milo.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Senior Portfolio Manager
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Research & Conservation
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Research Committee
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Chairman, Research Committee / Texas Christian University
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board
- Chief Financial Officer of All Saints' Episcopal School of Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX
Job Titles:
- Member of the Landowner Board
- Advisory Director / Director, Park and Recreation
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board
- Vice President of JPMorgan Private Bank
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Co - Founder BRIT, Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Advancement
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Executive Vice President, Hunter Engineering Co
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Education & Volunteers
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Chairman of the Board / President, Seville Farms, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas
Job Titles:
- Member of the Operating Board of Directors
- Executive Vice President, Hillwood Properties, Fort Worth, Texas