MaryLynn Mack grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, raised by her grandparents, who nurtured a deep love of nature. Her grandfather was an avid gardener, and MaryLynn still remembers the delicious beefsteak tomatoes he grew. Her grandmother cultivated African violets — the smell of those flowers and Magnolias always brings back vivid childhood memories. Today, she puts her love of green spaces to good use as the executive director of the Memphis Botanic Garden. Get to know this week’s FACE of Memphis!
How did your career path lead you to the Memphis Botanic Garden?
After working for Cox Communications and in the health and human services sector, I opted for a career change to museum and garden. I worked as a director at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park and then changed careers to public gardens. After 16 years as deputy director at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, I became the chief operating officer at South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes, California.
I’ve had an amazing time creating vision and working with passionate teams of people to bring nature, plants, art, and innovative programming to communities through the wonder of public gardens. I feel so fortunate that Memphis Botanic Garden was looking for its next leader, and I am grateful that I can use my experiences and training to steward this garden now.
What lessons have you learned along the way that helped you succeed?
The best leaders are vulnerable, open, and always learning. Be transformational, not transactional. Listen more; talk less.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Collaborative and transparent.
Can you tell us about any events, programs, or exhibits you are particularly excited about?
I am, of course, most excited about Thomas Danbo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans! The exhibit opened to great fanfare on February 1 and will last through May 21. Spring will be an amazing time at the Garden. We will also announce our Live at the Garden concert lineup, one of our most successful fundraisers.
Our team is currently working on a three-year plan that will bring in new exhibitions, innovative events, and an elevated design that will feature our plant collections and showcase our amazing 96 acres in new and exciting ways.
Switching gears a little, what do you love most about Memphis?
Memphis has such a cool vibe. I have met so many genuine, authentic people here, and everyone has a connection to the Garden! [It’s a] small-town feel with good food, great music, and wonderful people. What more could one ask for?
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?
Eating my way through Memphis! I am open to any restaurant recommendations. I also love the library, and our parks are the best in the country.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
That I have moved 25 boxes of books three times! I cannot get rid of a book. I keep buying more and have now ordered a bookshelf to accommodate them. There’s just something about a good book.
What is your best piece of advice?
Look as much with your heart as you do with your eyes.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Pets (although they are family), art, and nature (I am in LOVE with the trees here).
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