MaryLynn Mack

Member since: 2026

Proposed by: The Little Garden Club of Memphis, Zone IX

Seconded by: Magnolia Garden Club, Zone IX

Before MaryLynn Mack became executive director of Memphis Botanic Garden in 2024, she served as the chief operating officer of South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, deputy director and director of education and operations at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, and director of volunteers and interns at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Mack was president of the American Public Gardens Association (2021–23); in 2023 she was appointed by President Joe Biden to the Institute of Museum and Library Services Board.

GCA scholar, honorary member, and President and CEO of San Diego Botanic Garden, Ari Novy writes, "In all of my interactions with MaryLynn over the years, she has repeatedly demonstrated that she is one of the key leaders in our field. Her pulse on our community and efforts to push the entire public garden sector forward cannot be overstated."

Tom Schlafly, the first chair of the GCA's Common Ground Committee commented, "MaryLynn Mack played a major role in helping our committee define and carry out our mission. She was generous with her time and expertise. Her perspective from her years of experience in the world of public gardens allowed her to give practical advice. Her enthusiasm for the work of our committee was obvious and sincere and gave us an immense boost in morale. To the extent the Common Ground Committee has been able to help advance the goals of the GCA, much of the credit must be given to MaryLynn Mack."