COO of botanical gardens signs 10-year contract

SARASOTA — Marie Selby Botanical Gardens COO Wendy Deming recently signed a 10-year employment contract with the nonprofit. 

Deming joined Selby Gardens in July 2018, according to a press release. The contract extends her appointment for the next decade.

In 2018, the board of trustees secured a 10-year contract for President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki. 

“Wendy’s leadership is vital to the continued success of Selby Gardens,” says Rominiecki in the statement. “Her contract reaffirms Selby Gardens’ commitment to a sustainable future. From the beginning, she has steered Selby Gardens’ successfully through high-profile external projects while simultaneously creating internal processes that result in efficiencies and financial sustainability. We are excited to have her as part of the Selby Gardens’ leadership team for years to come.”

Deming is a 27-year resident of Nokomis. Earlier this year, she was instrumental in the adoption and integration of Historic Spanish Point as a companion campus to Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus, the release says. She also plays a leading role in steering the organization through the Compromise Master Plan efforts. 

Deming is responsible for guiding the Gardens’ strategic operations to bolster Selby Gardens’ mission to provide bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature and regional history.

“Selby Gardens’ is constantly evolving and transforming, much like nature,” says Deming in the statement. “Every day offers exciting challenges and opportunities to learn and lead. I am excited and committed to being part of the team that will realize Selby Gardens’ future.”

Deming brings more than 20 years of nonprofit management experience to the organization. Prior to her role at Selby Gardens, she served as COO and chief of staff at Gulf Coast Community Foundation as well as corporate secretary and board liaison. 

Selby Gardens is composed of the 15-acre Downtown Sarasota campus and the 30-acre Historic Spanish Point campus in the Osprey area of Sarasota County. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a Smithsonian Affiliate and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.