Tracy R. Kay Named The New CEO of Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens
The Board of the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens has selected Tracy R. Kay to become its next CEO, replacing Jane von Trapp who earlier this year announced her decision to step down from her post effective June 30th to return to Vermont. “Tracy was the unanimous choice of the Search Committee” said Peter Russell, Chair of the Arboretum’s Board of Directors. “His background and extensive experience in the non-profit field are a great fit for our organization and will build on Jane’s accomplishments to take the organization to the next level.”
Kay, a graduate of St. Lawrence University and the Yale School of the Environment, most recently served as Executive Director of the Westchester Children’s Museum at Rye Playland. He began his museum career as Director of the Rye Nature Center, and then served as Executive Director of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education in Philadelphia, PA before being appointed Deputy Commissioner for Museums in Nassau County New York. He has served on the adjunct faculties at Swarthmore College and Arcadia and Temple Universities, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in environmental education, field natural history and ecology. Tracy was also a Founding Member and first President of the Association of Nature Center Administrators and has served as a field reviewer for the American Alliance of Museums, and peer reviewer and grant panelist for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Kay and his wife, Laura Tessier, are North Stamford residents.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to facilitate implementation of the Arboretum’s strategic plan to grow a thriving non-profit organization and provide environmental, horticultural, and plant science educational programs for children and adults of all ages and abilities,” said Kay. “The Bartlett has played a significant role as a sanctuary for many during the pandemic and I look forward to growing our visitors’ relationship to the arboretum and gardens as a place to enjoy and appreciate the wonders of the natural world we live in.”
The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens’ 93 acres in North Stamford offers outstanding educational opportunities for people of all ages, including students attending Stamford Public Schools. Visitors are encouraged to explore the hiking trails through forests of Notable & Champion Trees, the Red Maple Wetland ecosystem, and other collections that include the Melquist Rhododendron Collection and the Kate and Robert Bartlett Magnolia Collection. The Bartlett Arboretum also serves at-risk inner-city children through both onsite and outreach initiatives and is known for its adult education programs.