Susan L. Wagner is a distinguished leader with a career spanning botanical gardens, science education, and business management. As CEO of Huntsville Botanical Garden since 2019, she has driven remarkable growth, tripling revenue and establishing award-winning STEM education and conservation programs. Previously, as Vice President at The Morton Arboretum and Adler Planetarium, she advanced visitor engagement, attendance, and groundbreaking initiatives like Illumination and One World, One Sky. Honored with the 2023 Russell Brown Executive Leadership Award and a Kellogg Executive Scholar designation, Sue’s visionary leadership blends business acumen and educational expertise, leaving an enduring impact on organizations and communities.

What career/educational trajectory led you to the Huntsville Botanical Garden?

My career and educational journey has been guided by a deep passion for science, education, and creatively connecting people with the natural world. I began with an undergraduate degree from Saint Xavier University, followed by a master’s degree from the University of Illinois Champaign, where I also pursued post-graduate research in science education. Early in my teaching career, I was honored with the Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science Teaching from the National Science Foundation in 1998 and awarded a NASA science education fellowship at Glenn Research Center in 1999. These experiences solidified my commitment to innovative science education.

Field research enriched my perspective, taking me to the Amazon Peruvian rainforest to study the ecosystem, Barbados to study Hawksbill sea turtles, and Hawaii to explore volcanic activity on Kilauea. At the Adler Planetarium, I led the production with Sesame Workshop and the Beijing Planetarium on National Science Foundation-funded One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure and executive-produced NASA-funded shows like IBEX: Interstellar Boundary Explorer and TimeSpace. Designing Mission: Moon with astronaut Jim Lovell and creating the interactive Planet Explorers gallery for kids further honed my expertise in creative science experience design.

My decade as Vice President for Education and Information at The Morton Arboretum was a time of transformation. I spearheaded programs such as Illumination: Tree Lights at the Arboretum, launched the Center for Tree Science demonstration area, and partnered with artist Thomas Dambo for Troll Hunt. These initiatives increased satisfaction and attendance from 725,000 to 1.1 million annually while deepening public engagement with nature.

I’ve continually pursued professional growth, earning certifications in Nonprofit Executive Management from Northwestern University and Executive Coaching from Harvard University. Leading Huntsville Botanical Garden since 2019 has allowed me to channel these experiences into driving innovative STEM education

and conservation initiatives, connecting people to Alabama’s unique botanical diversity.

What are your proudest accomplishments during your tenure? What accolades stand out? My proudest accomplishment at Huntsville Botanical Garden has been creating programs and initiatives that are naturally delightful – they inspire curiosity, foster rigorous STEM education, and promote conservation. Our education and outreach programs are equally meaningful. They’re about more than learning – they’re about making delightful discoveries in nature and within ourselves. Through initiatives like Cultivate, STEM Field Trips and Camps, Garden Sprouts, the Nature Academy, and diverse adult and children’s programs, we help people of all ages deepen their understanding of the botanical world, from gardening tips to plant identification.

Additionally, our Plant Science and Conservation Program represents the cornerstone of our mission. We delve into the fascinating world of botany through research, education, and preservation efforts. We partner with regional and national scientists and plant conservationists to lead a Southeastern regional plant conservation agenda. By protecting plant diversity, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging ecological stewardship, we’re fostering a deeper appreciation for the vital roles plants play in our ecosystems and daily lives.

Galaxy of Lights, a naturally delightful garden experience which has grown into one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, earned a #2 ranking by USAToday10Best in December, 2024. This beloved tradition not only brings joy, surprise, and delight to thousands but also drives critical support for the Garden’s mission.

These accomplishments reflect our commitment to connecting people to plants, inspiring a love for nature, and preserving its beauty for generations to come.

As a leader, I’ve always been driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for education, environmental conservation, and organizational growth. I am incredibly proud of the recognition the Huntsville Botanical Garden has received, including being named the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by the Huntsville- Madison County Chamber of Commerce. This honor reflects the hard work of our team and our shared dedication to making the Garden a cornerstone of our community.

In 2024, I served as Business Fellow for the University of Alabama Huntsville which has allowed me to collaborate with academic leaders and share insights on the intersection of business strategy and nonprofit leadership with students. My designation as a Kellogg School of Management Executive Scholar underscores my belief in continuous professional development as a foundation for impactful leadership.

These experiences, combined with my ability to integrate business acumen with a love for education and plant conservation, have shaped my approach to leading organizations. Whether it’s driving innovative STEM programs, fostering meaningful partnerships, or championing plant science and conservation efforts, I am honored to contribute to the growth and success of the organizations and communities I serve.

What are your goals for the Garden’s future? Looking ahead, my goals for Huntsville Botanical Garden focus on expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and continuing to surprise and inspire our visitors. I am committed to increasing the number of teachers and students we serve across Alabama by forming partnerships with botanical gardens and nature centers throughout the state. Through these funded collaborations, we can broaden access to STEM education and help more young minds discover the wonders of the natural world.

I also aim to enhance the Garden’s accessibility to our region and tourist populations, ensuring that more people can experience the beauty and educational opportunities we offer. We’re dedicated to surprising and delighting our guests with unique experiences, such as the upcoming Mother Earth Troll Maze, opening April 1, which will provide a whimsical and engaging way to connect with nature.

Another key goal is continuing to build our Plant Science and Conservation Program, which lies at the heart of our mission. From survival to revival, we’re conserving rare and imperiled species like the Boynton oak, found only in nine counties in Alabama, and Morefield’s leatherflower, vital to the biodiversity of north Alabama and the Cumberland Plateau. We’re also addressing fascinating questions like why the American smoketree, once prolific in Alabama, faded into obscurity and how we can support its comeback. With the additional greenhouse and propagation spaces we plan to build, we can grow, study and take action on behalf of plants!

By focusing on education, accessibility, and conservation, we can ensure that the Garden remains a vibrant, inspiring space that connects people to plants and strengthens their appreciation for our environment.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? When I’m not working, I love spending time with my Ragdoll cats – they always bring me so much joy. I also enjoy being outdoors, whether I’m gardening or simply soaking in nature. Traveling to visit my family is another favorite activity. And when I get the chance, I enjoy hitting the dance floor, it’s a great way to relax and have fun!

What’s your favorite spot in Huntsville? I enjoy Downtown Huntsville for great dining and dancing!