TUCSON, Ariz. (December 2025) — Tucson Botanical Gardens has appointed Autumn van den Berg as Senior Vice President of Operations, effective October 20, 2025. In this role, van den Berg oversees the visitor experience, earned and contributed revenue strategy, and organization-wide operational health, partnering closely with the President & CEO to advance the Gardens’ long-term sustainability and institutional priorities.
van den Berg brings extensive leadership experience spanning philanthropy, community engagement, operations, and organizational strategy. Most recently, she served as Public Affairs Manager for Cox Communications, stewarding a $2.2 million charitable budget and leading initiatives in environmental sustainability, diversity, and regional public affairs. Her background also includes senior roles at Sol Electric and Zelinka Prince & Parsons, complemented by deep civic involvement through AZ Earn to Learn, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and Easter Seals Blake Foundation.
“Public gardens have become essential spaces for reflection, belonging, and connection. I’m excited to help translate the Board and CEO’s vision into operational excellence that elevates the guest experience and supports the long-term sustainability of Tucson Botanical Gardens,” said van den Berg.
“Autumn’s strategic mindset and commitment to community impact make her an exceptional addition to our leadership team,” said Michelle Conklin, President & CEO. “Her operational insight will help the Gardens continue evolving as an accessible, innovative, and resilient public garden.”
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About the Tucson Botanical Gardens:
Located on the historic Porter property, Tucson Botanical Gardens is a five-and-a-half-acre collection of over 20 distinct gardens in the heart of Tucson, Arizona. The organization also owns and manages Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, located just a half block from the main campus.
The Gardens has been consistently recognized as Tucson’s Favorite Botanical Garden by the Tucson Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards, ranked #4 in USA Today’s 10 Best Botanical Gardens Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023 and 2024, and named one of the Top 10 Gardens to Visit by the News Release Canada Garden Tourism Council. Most recently, the Gardens received the Horticultural Landmark Award from the American Society of Horticultural Science.
Signature garden areas include the Cactus & Succulent Garden, Barrio Garden, Children’s Garden, and Herb Garden, highlighting the remarkable diversity of plants that thrive in the Sonoran Desert. The Gardens are also home to the Great Garden Express, a six-engine, three level G-scale model train installation featuring a landscape that mirrors the region’s iconic Sky Island terrain. From October through May, visitors can experience tropical butterflies from around the world in the Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion.
Tucson Botanical Gardens also offers eat-in dining at Edna’s Café, rotating art exhibitions, community classes, cultural events, and international exhibits, as well as event services for weddings, social gatherings, and group functions. The Gardens are located at 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712. Learn more and purchase tickets at TucsonBotanical.org.
