Selby Gardens CEO announces retirement

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens CEO and President Thomas Buchter announced today that he will retire in October.

Buchter has served as the head of Selby Gardens since 2009. In a press release, the organization credits Buchter with overseeing a period of growth and stability at Selby Gardens.

“As a result of his leadership, Selby Gardens’ future is strong and financially secure,” said Cathy Layton, chairwoman of Selby’s board of trustees. “A renewed enthusiasm is felt garden- and community-wide.”

In 2013, Selby Gardens opened the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden, with Buchter leading a $5 million fundraising campaign to construct the new facility.

As president and CEO, Buchter said he has focused on fostering relationships with Selby Gardens’ customers.

“My goal has always been to create enduring relationships with people who are associated with Selby or would like to associate with Selby,” Buchter said. “For me professionally, it’s very important for public gardens to be part of the fabric of community life."

After leaving his position with Selby Gardens, Buchter will move to Ohio, where his wife is currently employed. Selby’s Board of Trustees is moving to hire a search firm to eventually fill the vacant CEO position.

Contact David Conway at [email protected].