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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Selby Gardens Chief Operating Officer signs ten-year contract

SARASOTA, Fla., October 19, 2020 – In further efforts to ensure a sustainable future, Wendy Deming, chief operating officer recently signed a ten-year employment contract.  Deming joined Selby Gardens in July 2018 and the contract extends her appointment for the next decade. In 2018, the Board of Trustees secured a ten-year contract for Jennifer O. Rominiecki, President & CEO.

“Wendy’s leadership is vital to the continued success of Selby Gardens,” said Rominiecki. “Her contract reaffirms Selby Gardens’ commitment to a sustainable future. From the beginning, she has steered Selby Gardens’ successfully through high-profile external projects while simultaneously creating internal processes that result in efficiencies and financial sustainability. We are excited to have her as part of the Selby Gardens’ leadership team for years to come.”

Deming, a 27-year resident of Nokomis, has immersed herself in Selby Gardens’ history and has been a key leader in implementing Selby Gardens’ future vision. Earlier this year, Deming was instrumental in the adoption and integration of Historic Spanish Point as a companion campus to Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus. She also plays a leading role in steering the organization through the Compromise Master Plan efforts.  Deming is responsible for guiding the Gardens’ strategic operations across functional areas that bolster Selby Gardens’ mission to provide bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature and our regional history.

“Selby Gardens’ is constantly evolving and transforming, much like nature,” Deming says. “Every day offers exciting challenges and opportunities to learn and lead. I am excited and committed to being part of the team that will realize Selby Gardens’ future.”

Deming brings more than 20 years of non-profit management experience to the organization. Prior to her role at Selby Gardens, she served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff at Gulf Coast Community Foundation, as well as corporate secretary and board liaison. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Furman University.

Wendy Deming at Selby Gardens