Impact: Arboretum Foundation
Organization Overview
The Arboretum Foundation, a non-profit organization, has provided stewardship for Washington Park Arboretum since 1935.
The Foundation provides funds for essential Arboretum operations and programs, including tree care, maintenance, seasonal gardeners, environmental education, and collection restoration. It also manages membership and volunteer programs.
Since 2016, the Foundation has managed fundraising, cultural programing, and volunteer recruitment for the Seattle Japanese Garden at the south end of the Arboretum.
The Challenge
The Arboretum Foundation and the UW Botanic Gardens began a process to become a new, single nonprofit entity. In the fall of 2024, the Arboretum Foundation’s Executive Director stepped into an advisory role to support this transition. That meant that the organization needed an Interim Executive Director who would:
- Oversee Staff and Ensure Continued Program Delivery – Executive leadership was required to support team members and keep programs running smoothly.
- Keep the Transition Plan and Budget on Track – The organization needed to adhere to its established financial and strategic goals.
- Provide Support for Organizational Change – Extra assistance was needed for staff and board members, given the significant organizational structure changes occurring.
Our Approach
The Valtas team worked in close collaboration with board chair Maribeth O’Connor to find the right set of resources for the Arboretum Foundation as the organization evolved.
Organizational Assessment
Elizabeth Lunney provided strategic advisory and assessment services to prepare the organization for leadership transition.
Interim Executive Leadership
Elizabeth Lunney was selected from the Valtas consulting team to step in to the Interim Executive Director role.
Interim Development Leadership
Jackson Cooper was brought in to lead fundraising development efforts during the search for a new Development Director.
Executive Search
Ed Rogan has provided Executive Search support, listening carefully to craft and create the requirements needed for the leader of this new entity.
The Outcome
The Valtas team worked collaboratively to provide stability, continuity, and a smooth path towards the next evolution of the Arboretum Foundation. Outcomes included:
A Stable and Productive Staff and Board
Elizabeth worked quickly to understand the needs of staff and board members and provide consistent support.
Fundraising Continuity
Jackson hit the ground running shortly before a major fundraising event, supervised the development team, and ensured that donations flowed as planned.
Securing New Leadership
Ed has utilized his search expertise to coordinate and analyze candidates for the permanent Executive Director role.
Client Perspective
“We are so thrilled to have Elizabeth Lunney on board. She is a perfect person for the Arboretum and UW Botanical Gardens in this junction of transition. Elizabeth’s temperament, skills, transformational knowledge base, and network of contacts are all serving us well.”
Maribeth O’Connor
Board President, Arboretum Foundation
Ready to Strengthen Your Board?
Every leadership transition represents both a risk and an opportunity. With the right support, it can be a catalyst for renewal and growth.