KENNETT SQUARE, PA – February 21, 2024 – Longwood Gardens today announced the appointment of Rachel McCausland as Chief Philanthropy Officer. In this newly created role, McCausland will work to advance Longwood’s mission and strategic priorities through providing the vision and leadership to create, implement, and administer a comprehensive giving program and related activities for the world-renowned Gardens.Well-versed in development for non-profit cultural and educational institutions, McCausland spent 11 years in various fundraising roles at Opera Philadelphia, including Vice President of Development and most recently served at Delaware County Community College (DCCC), where she was Vice President of Development and Executive Director of the DCCC Educational Foundation. While at DCCC, McCausland oversaw all contributed revenue streams, resulting in a significant increase in total giving across all constituencies. “Rachel’s proven expertise in successfully planning and executing major, multiyear giving initiatives that advance institutional priorities make her a great addition to our leadership team,” said Paul B. Redman, President and CEO of Longwood Gardens. “Her prowess in all aspects of development, coupled with her experience in both cultural and educational organizations make her well-suited to propel our strategic goals and mission into the future,” Redman said.“I am honored to step into this new role at Longwood as the organization continues to explore new and exciting avenues to advance its mission of bringing joy and inspiration to all through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning,” McCausland said. “I look forward to joining the team and helping to ensure Longwood thrives for generations to come.” McCausland arrives as Longwood is nearing completion of its most ambitious capital project in a century, Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience, and expansion of its mission platform to being a multisite organization with the acquisition to conserve the 505-acre estate, Granogue, located in New Castle County, DE. Longwood Reimagined is a $250 million project that encompasses 17 acres and includes a 32,000 sq. ft. state-of-the art conservatory, a new administration building, and new dining and event spaces. The project is slated for completion in fall 2024.McCausland holds an MS in Arts Administration from Drexel University and a BA in Music from Moravian College.
About Longwood GardensIn 1906, industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great horticultural displays, encompassing 1,100 acres of dazzling gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and grand conservatory. Expanding on its commitment to conservation, in 2024 Longwood Gardens acquired the 505-acre Longwood at Granogue, a cultural landscape in nearby Wilmington, Delaware. Longwood Gardens is the living legacy of Pierre S. du Pont, bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Open daily, Longwood is one of more than 30 gardens in the Philadelphia region known as America’s Garden Capital. For more information, visit longwoodgardens.org.
