Our Leadership

Jennifer Barnette serves as the chief operating officer of the GCA, having joined in October 2012.

A collection of the COO's remarks from GCA Leadership Business Meetings since 2012 illuminate her leadership and management approach as well as her passion for supporting the mission of the GCA.

"I feel a personal responsibility to nurture the creation and conservation of artistic and natural beauty, so I am especially grateful for this opportunity to further the exceptional work of the GCA."

Jennifer resides on Roosevelt Island with her husband, Aaron Cohen (New York Public Radio / www.theworldofgustavmahler.org) and her dog, Charlie. She has siblings in Huntsville, AL and Louisville, KY, and a wonderful mother-in-law in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A native of Alabama, Jennifer has a BS from the University of Montevallo and a Masters in Arts Administration from the Shenandoah Conservatory, Winchester, VA. From 2002 to 2012, Jennifer served as managing director of The American Place Theatre in NYC. While there, she built program outreach through institutional partnerships and special events in over 25 states.

She brings a wealth of experience in staff, technology and financial management, as well as grant writing; served as the designer and producer of dozens of unique marketing and informational publications; and has selected and implemented data management systems for fundraising and programming.

Anne Gerald joined the GCA staff in fall 2014 as a staff administrator before rising to Associate Director and, now, Director of Administration. In that capacity Anne supports all of the staff administrators, Executive Board members supporting zone leaders and committee leadership, Annual Meeting Leadership, and Policy Research. She also handles special projects with the COO including web development, liaising with the programmers, and leads the administrative team.

Before the GCA Anne taught 6th grade reading at a high achieving charter school in Harlem, NY after graduating from James Madison University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Teaching.

Anne was born in Charleston, SC but grew up in Westchester County, just north of New York City. Her family's strong ties to the South, agriculture, wetland conservation, and environmental studies have had a lasting impact and were a contributing factor that led to her pursuit of a career at the GCA.

She now resides in Asheville, NC with her husband, Peter, and daughter, Penelope (2 y/o). She is expecting a son November 2024.

Jennifer Chu serves as GCA's finance, investment, and audit controller since August of 2019. She has worked in a Controller or Assistant Controller capacity for more than 15 years in both for profit and non profit organizations. In her current role, she oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash flows, financial reporting, budgeting, tax, and audit. She works in close relationship with our Staff Accountant and the Finance Committee in meeting all of GCA's finance needs.

She is a longtime resident of Queens, New York with her husband, Norbert, and two daughters, Seraphina and Madaleine. Seraphina recently started her first year at the University of Michigan.

Jennifer loves to travel, cook, and take long nature walks in her spare time.

Alison Dolack serves as the head of the GCA's very first Development department as Manager of Development and Outreach. Joining HQ staff in the GCA’s centennial year, 2013, Alison began her tenure with committee and program administration before shifting to development in 2018. Alison oversees the processing, acknowledgement, and reporting of all contributions made to the GCA. She works in close partnership with the national Stewardship Committee and GCA leadership, guiding the development of all communications and solicitations to help foster a culture of giving within the organization. “Contributions play a crucial role in supporting the outstanding initiatives of The Garden Club of America. Our donors make a meaningful impact!”
Alison resides in Greenwich, CT – in the same house she grew up in – with her husband DJ and her children, Adeline (8) and Owen (6). An amateur gardener, her home includes several varieties of hydrangeas, a small vegetable garden, two giant northern spruce trees, and (mostly) happy houseplants in every room.

Jill brings a wealth of event planning skills and a passion for nature to her position as Director of Events for the GCA. She has served in event leadership roles with several organizations hosting events nationally from conferences and conventions to small board dinners, retreats, and signature events. She has shared her expertise with aspiring event professionals through an online educational program and taught event management courses at the university level.

Her career has taken her internationally to produce events at a castle and chocolate museum and offered her the opportunity to work with exercise legend Richard Simmons and Shark Tank's Mr. Wonderful as well as several political figures. Having worked with volunteers, staff, and leadership to create memorable events, she is acutely aware of the importance of teamwork and collaboration. "I am inspired by the creativity and devotion to the beauty of nature that the GCA members bring to the organization. I hope to learn from the seasoned garden professionals who have given so much to the GCA and support them with new perspectives in the event planning process offering them the opportunity to enjoy more of the fruits of their labor."

Jill resides with her husband and two rescue dogs in Kennebunk, ME, and enjoys gardening, hiking, cooking, baking, knitting, and embracing sustainable practices in her day-to-day life. She hasn't met a mushroom she didn't like and loves to shop at her local farmers market weekly.

Chrissy has been with The Garden Club of America since early 2020. She supports the Archives & History, Communications, Garden History & Design, and Photography Committees. She is also the face behind websupport@gcamerica.org and our new Roundtables.

Chrissy loves all things theater, and will happily discuss anything currently running on Broadway. She is a certified yoga instructor and spends a lot of time on the weekends working with aerial silks. She adores her two cats Romeo and Persephone.

Elaine joined The Garden Club of America team in the summer of 2018 supporting The Second Century Campaign.

She became a full time staff member in February 2020 and supports the Awards, BOA, Judging and Membership Committees.

Elaine loves to run, dogs (which she see plenty of on her runs), read, travel, horror movies and all things sweet and chocolate.