“My guiding principles of serving as the caretaker of any site under my watch are simple. I believe our sites must be safe, clean, educational, fun and filled with plants. Plants that inspire homeowners, stand out in our garden in a park and enhance the surrounding land, hard and waterscapes,” says Sommers.
Aaron is an outstanding asset to the City of Cheyenne, having served for more than 16 years as the Director of the Paul Smith Children’s Village. The success of the Paul Smith Children’s Village is due in large part to his dedication and expertise. Aaron’s dedicated tenure with the Gardens, combined with his experience working under every former Director and serving multiple times as Interim Director, has allowed him to observe, learn, and carry forward the strongest leadership attributes from each of his predecessors.
Educated at Northern Michigan University and the University of Texas his background spans horticulture, public engagement across all age groups, program development and execution, budgeting, maintenance and volunteer coordination.
Very importantly, Aaron brings a forward-thinking vision that not only builds on the framework of the recent Master Plan but reaches beyond it. While the Master Plan provides valuable structure and opportunity, it is the visitor experience, making memories and educational opportunity that truly define the heart and purpose of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.
Aaron’s initiative to develop a transition and mentoring plan both for the individual who will succeed him at the Paul Smith Children’s Village and for future Botanic Gardens Managers demonstrates his commitment, personal investment, humility, and long-range leadership mindset. That is precisely the kind of stewardship the Cheyenne Botanic Garden’s needs. Aaron embodies the qualities needed to lead the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens into its next chapter.
Aaron Sommers
Director
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
City of Cheyenne
Wyoming
United States
North America
