Selby Gardens names new COO

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has a new COO. 

Crystal Bailey, who’s been with the organization since January as chief administrative officer and general counsel, was promoted to COO and general counsel where she will oversee Selby Gardens’ strategic operations. Bailey was also elected corporate secretary by the board.

“Selby Gardens is on a phenomenal growth trajectory at both of our campuses, and Crystal will bring to her new role the skills and experience needed for our expanded success—especially as we realize phase one of our master plan this fall,” says Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Selby Gardens. 

Prior to Selby Gardens, Bailey served at the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for eight years, most recently as general counsel on the sheriff’s executive staff. 

Selby Gardens is undergoing construction of a three-phase master site plan for its downtown Sarasota campus. The $92 million project will feature a plant research center, herbarium, new welcome center and research library within the first phase. 

Phase two will include a hurricane-resilient greenhouse complex, learning pavilion, and indoor and outdoor classroom space. The following phase will restore two of the campus’s historic buildings, unify the gardens’ walking paths and bolster the property’s seawalls and dockage. 

In 2020, Selby Gardens adopted Historic Spanish Point in the Osprey area of Sarasota County as a companion campus to its flagship Sarasota location.