NY Botanical Garden names new CEO
BY BRONX TIMES
The New York Botanical
Garden has announced that
not-for-profit executive Jennifer
Bernstein will become
its chief executive officer
and The William C. Steere
Sr. president, effective Sept.
1, 2021.
Bernstein is a proven
leader with exceptional
management experience in
fundraising and board development
for cultural, educational
and environmental
organizations. She joins
the Botanical Garden from
NRDC (Natural Resources
Defense Council) where she
served as chief development
officer and interim chief operations
officer.
“I’m honored to join The
New York Botanical Garden,
a world-renowned institution
fueled by the spirit of New
York City in its advocacy for
the plant world,” Bernstein
said. “I am committed to the
Garden’s mission to protect
the planet’s biodiversity and
natural resources, and I am
humbled by the opportunity
to partner with its esteemed
Board of Trustees and to lead
its talented, dedicated staff
in this critical work.”
Bernstein’s leadership
will drive fiscal, reputational
and programmatic growth,
and help to usher in a new
era at the institution. She
brings two decades of nonprofit
management and fundraising
experience, most
recently at NRDC, a leading
international not-for-profit
that works to safeguard the
Earth—its people, its plants
and animals, and the natural
systems on which all life
depends. There, Bernstein
designed and executed an
ongoing $1 billion fundraising
campaign while overseeing
a team of nearly 100
professionals. Previously,
she led record fundraising
efforts at Pace University
and managed individual
and corporate giving at the
Playwrights Horizons theater
in Manhattan. She also
served in various capacities
at Roundabout Theatre Company,
New York University
and CCS Fundraising.
“I am highly confident
that Jennifer Bernstein will
lead us forward into an exciting
Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden
DO IT FOR EACH OTHER.
GET VACCINATED!
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, J 16 UNE 25-JULY 1, 2021 BTR
They’ve taken care
of you, now take
care of them by
getting vaccinated
together!
The COVID-19 vaccines are
safe, effective and free.
TO FIND WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR
COVID-19 VACCINE:
· Call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692)
· Visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder
· Visit nyc.gov/vcc for a list of sites offering
vaccines without an appointment
· Fill out the form at nyc.gov/homebound
if you are a fully homebound and want to
get a COVID-19 vaccine at your home
Free transportation is available.
and impactful future,
building upon the extraordinarily
solid foundation we
have at NYBG New York
Botanical Garden,” said J.
Barclay Collins II, chair of
The New York Botanical Garden’s
Board of Trustees. “She
brings enormous energy,
enthusiasm, and expertise
to her role. Her exceptional
professional experience in
arts and culture, education,
and environmental protection
presents a unique and
valuable confluence of expertise
for our institution.
Our Board is excited to work
with her to frame how this
next generation will advance
in innovative ways the Garden’s
mission in science, education,
and horticulture, and
in community engagement.”
Bernstein’s appointment
as the 10th leader of the
130-year-old institution followed
an extensive, ninemonth
international search
that included a diverse and
wide range of prospects.
To ensure a smooth transition
between administrations,
Bernstein will be
working closely with J.V.
Cossaboom, NYBG’s interim
CEO and president. “I think I
can speak for the staff in saying
we are looking forward
to working with an energetic
and focused leader like Jennifer,”
Cossaboom said.
Bernstein received her
undergraduate degree from
the College of Santa Fe and
her master’s degree from the
New York University Stern
School of Business.
/vaccinefinder
/vcc
/homebound
