Membership questions?
Contact us at speaks@dsbg.org
or (704) 825-4490 ext. 103.
Executive Leadership
John Searby
Executive Director
searby@dsbg.org
John Searby – Executive Director
Hi, my name is John Searby. I am responsible for the overall leadership of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden & Catawba Riverkeeper and serve each as their primary visionary, strategic leader, and relationship developer. I lead a senior management staff responsible for the joint operation of both organizations that includes a Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer charged with developing administrative economies of scale, joint programming, and enhanced missional impact for two of the Charlotte region’s most important environmental non-profits.
My passion for the outdoors influences everything I do. I grew up in Central Illinois where my love of nature began while bird hunting with my grandfather. Inspired by the mountains of East Tennessee where I attended college, I have developed a love for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, kayaking, and camping that finds me spending as much time outside as possible.
My experience has led me to bring a diverse background in coaching, athletic administration, fundraising, design, marketing, sponsorship planning, and sales management to my work. I leverage these experiences to build organizations that inspire a love of nature and its beauty through unforgettable experiences to motivate the public to join in the work of preserving, protecting, and restoring our region’s vital natural resources.
I attended Milligan University in Johnson City, TN, where I was a 3-year starter and captain of the basketball team. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History and English from Milligan and a Master’s Degree in English from Tennessee Tech University. After college, I embarked on a ten-year basketball coaching journey at Gardner-Webb University, Tennessee Tech University, Lincoln Christian University, and Auburn University before working in athletic administration at Bradley University. Following my time in athletics, I worked in the business world for XOS Digital, Downstream Design, and Adams Outdoor Advertising. In April, 2019 I became the Executive Director of Catawba Riverkeeper and assumed that same role with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in March, 2023.
I currently reside just minutes from Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden on the banks of the South Fork River in Belmont, NC with my wife, Jessi, and two children, Jack (17) and Josie (14). I also serve the Charlotte region as the President of the Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition, I am a member of the Gaston County Travel & Tourism Board of Advisors, a member of the Pharr Family YMCA Board of Advisors, and serve as Chairman of the South Fork Collective.
Tracy Smith
Chief Administrative Officer
smith@dsbg.org
Tracy Smith - Chief Administrative Officer
Hi! My name is Tracy Smith, and I am the Chief Administrative Officer for the collaboration of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper. I am a native of North Carolina, growing up in Waxhaw, and eventually moving to Belmont in 2008 with my husband and our daughter. I received my undergraduate degree in liberal studies from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro and a master’s degree in human resources from Western Carolina University…go Catamounts!
I have commuted to Charlotte for work for over 25 years so when the opportunity became available to become part of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden team, I didn’t hesitate. As a resident of Belmont, I was very familiar with the beauty of the Garden and its offerings and knew that I would feel right at home. Working in the same town where I live was important to me, it’s a way of giving back to my community.
Prior to my current role, I served as the Human Resources manager for Johnson & Wales University as well as the Director of Human Resources for the United Way of Central Carolinas. While most of my experience is directly related to Human Resources, I have always had a knack for all business functions such as finance, risk management, compliance, and project planning and oversight. This position allows me the opportunity to do all of that and more.
I enjoy working with this amazing team and appreciating the nature and beauty of the Garden, knowing not to take any of it for granted as I feel so fortunate to be part of the team.
Jeff Shelton
Chief Financial Officer
shelton@dsbg.org
Jeff Shelton – Chief Financial Officer
Hi there, I’m Jeff Shelton! I grew up in Kentucky and graduated from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. I began my work career with KPMG in Nashville TN. I later worked in financial, operational, and development roles for both large and small start-ups including publicly traded companies in Nashville TN and Charlotte NC.
In the early 2000’s, I was part of the founding team of the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte NC and served as its CFO for over 18 years.
In mid-2023, I joined the executive team of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and work with both the Garden and the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation as part of the Shared Services Collaboration between the two organizations.
I have a passion for the outdoors and being active in the outdoors. I absolutely love North Carolina and its rich natural spaces and resources. Being a part of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and its mission is both inspiring and gratifying to me.
My wife Rebecca and I have lived in Charlotte for 24 years. Our four daughters are grown and all live within a few hours’ drive.
Horticulture Team
Jason Bonham
Director of Horticulture
bonham@dsbg.org
Jason Bonham - Director of Horticulture
My job here at the Garden encompasses maintaining and enhancing the outdoor gardens. That involves everything from caring for the gardens extensive plant collections to making sure the fountains are up and running. My main task though is to help support the horticulture staff so that they can continue to do the amazing work that they were doing before I arrived.
The best part of my job here at the Garden is that every day there is something new and exciting. It may be building straw bale mazes one day and learning how to hang holiday lights the next. One of my favorite parts of the garden is the allee of Burr Oaks, Quercus macrocarpa, that line the front entrance. They have just dropped their large acorns that are topped with a cupule or cap that is covered in shaggy scales.
Karen Kottkamp
Curator
kottkamp@dsbg.org
Karen Kottkamp - Curator
Hi! My name is Karen Kottkamp, and since early 2022, I’ve had the honor of being the Garden Curator. As Curator, I’m responsible for keeping track of, monitoring the health, and labeling the plants in the garden.
Born and raised in Indianapolis, I received a BA in Psychology from Purdue University (IUPUI). The Charlotte area has been my home for the last 30 years and I love life in the Carolinas!
Plants are my passion and as a life-long learner, I’m both thrilled and humbled to work in an environment where I learn new things every day. Speaking of learning, I’m a North Carolina Certified Plant Professional and a NC Master Gardener. I earned a certificate in Native Plant Studies from UNCC and am also certified in Landscape Design.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking, riding my bike and traveling- both near and far. I’m an avid birdwatcher and native plant enthusiast and appreciate the connection between the two. It’s all connected, including us. Humans are not separate from nature, we’re part of it. I look forward to seeing you in the garden. Cheers!
Jessica Collins
William H. Williamson, III, Orchid Conservatory Manager
collins@dsbg.org
Jessica Collins - Orchid Conservatory Manager
As Orchid Conservatory Manager, I care for our extensive collection of orchids and tropical plants and am responsible for our rotating displays and exhibits. Although our orchid collection consists of thousands of specimen plants, I’m always excited to acquire new orchids for our collection. I love designing the displays and making the environment feel natural, but awe-inspiring.
I look forward to visitors getting to experience our newly renovated conservatory and exploring some of our highlights. These include our silk floss tree, our living wall, and our resident chocolate tree, but there are so many other fascinating sights as well!
Development Team
Katie Causey Miller
Director of Development
miller@dsbg.org
Katie Causey Miller – Director of Development
Hi, I’m Katie Causey Miller, an NC native who is passionate about green spaces, conservation, horticulture and the arts. I grew up nearby and have always been called back to NC’s rolling hills and lush forests. I received my undergraduate degree in liberal arts/printmaking at UNCA and continued on to get my Nonprofit Business Certification from Wake Forest. I’ve served on the leadership teams at McColl Center for Art & Innovation, the Arts & Science Council, and The Mint Museum before branching out and consulting for a variety of social justice, environmental, and arts-based non-profits.
In addition to my work as an arts administrator and fundraiser, I’ve created the curriculums for and taught at the local and national level on nonprofit finance, advancement operations, data structures and analytics, and provided a wide range of support for independent artists. In supporting DSBG as a contract fund strategist, I fell in love with the mission, the amazing team here, and the joy of seeing the gardens change each week. I’m grateful to lead a team of talented fundraisers and passionate advocates who help collectively raise capital in support of the garden’s mission. We are grateful for every single member, volunteer, and patron.
I live locally in Belmont with my husband and two amazing daughters. In my spare time, you will find me volunteering at our community lead veggie/herb gardens, foraging off the trails, making art, crafting herbal teas, and pouring beeswax candles.
Brittney Speaks
Membership Manager
speaks@dsbg.org
Brittney Speaks - Development & Stewardship Associate
Hi! My name is Brittney Speaks and I am the Membership and Visitor Services Manager. I am a native to Gaston County and grew up in McAdenville, better known as “Christmas Town, USA.” I graduated from Ashbrook Highschool and now reside, with my family, just over the state line in Clover, SC.
With 12+ years in the hospitality and customer service industry, I have always enjoyed helping and serving others, making connections, and building relationships with people. My position at the Garden allows me the privilege of getting to know our members and visitors, providing them with information about the Garden and membership, and the opportunity to connect with both our community and nature. Ensuring that every member and visitor feels that they are taken care of and informed means the most to me!
When I was in elementary school, we took a field trip to The Garden, and I was amazed and captivated by its beauty. Remembering the fun of running under the tunnel fountain and the magnificent view of the stained-glass dome in the Visitors Pavillion, to now being able to work in the community I grew up in is truly special. My favorite part of my job is the people I get to meet, the longtime members who have been with DSBG since the very beginning, and watching others create long lasting memories here at The Garden.
My favorite quote from Daniel Stowe is this, “I believe it is my duty as a preservationist to safeguard open spaces rather than create congestion and development.” Safeguarding these open spaces and the plants and wildlife within them is a mission statement that I take to heart and makes working here more than just a job!
Kate Graham
Visitor Services Lead
graham@dsbg.org
Kate Graham - Visitor Services Lead
My name is Kate Graham, and I am the Visitor Services Lead at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. If you’ve been a frequent visitor to the Garden in the past few years, you’ve likely spoken with me at the front desk. After working various roles in customer service throughout my adult life, from brick-and-mortar retail to digital assistance, I am incredibly grateful to share the front desk in our gorgeous Visitor’s Pavilion with such a dedicated and insightful team of staff and volunteers, each of whom support and teach me day by day.
I was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina but now reside in Lake Wylie, South Carolina. I am certified in Broadcast Media and Communications from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting branch in Charlotte.
My greatest passion in life is for storytelling, and the often unnoticed shapes it takes— be it in the grade-school novel that inspired you to read, the art and architecture that preserves a culture in a moment in time, or the experiences we spend our lives recording. The greenery, waterways and footpaths surrounding our ever-growing garden tell stories from before we placed the first brick to the lasting memories being created between visitors every year, and they will save our stories long after. I am honored to play even the smallest role in the conservation of that story.
When I’m not at the garden, I enjoy spending time with my partner and two mischievous cats, writing, cooking, and practicing photo editing & graphic design.
Program Team
Eric Smallwood
Outdoor Programs Director
smallwood@dsbg.org
Eric Smallwood – Outdoor Programs Director
Hello! My name is Eric Smallwood. I serve as the Outdoor Programs Director in the collaboration between Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper. In this role, I oversees all outdoor and recreation-based activities. My goal is to instill a love of nature through unforgettable outdoor experiences and engagement with nature.
I am an outdoor enthusiast and nature lover at heart. I was born in Summersville, West Virginia right in the heart of whitewater and climbing country and grew up camping and trout fishing with my family in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Now, with a family of my own, I continue to make those same memories and connections with nature through camping, hiking, biking, and paddling the local trails and beautiful waterways of our area. I still enjoy the solitude of a long trail run and the grind of an all-day mountain bike ride in the woods quite frequently to disconnect from the noise of the world and connect with melody of nature.
After graduating from Guilford College with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Business Management, I began a 15-year career in the public Parks and Recreation field. What began as a desire to be involved with sports quickly became a reignited passion for the outdoors and our natural spaces. In my past position as the leader of the Town of Cramerton Parks and Recreation Department, I was afforded the opportunity to partner with like-minded individuals and organizations to capitalize on and conserve our natural resources and establish Cramerton as one of the premier outdoor recreation destinations in the Charlotte Region.
I currently reside on the banks of the South Fork Catawba River in Cramerton, NC with my wife Olivia and son Lincoln.
Morgan Long
Education Director
long@dsbg.org
Morgan Long – Education Director
Hello! My name is Morgan Long. As Education Director, I provide senior leadership and strategic direction for all educational programming at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper. My role is to ensure that educational programming engages and inspires young people and adults alike to preserve, protect, and restore the natural resources of our region. Through a collaboration, both Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper leverage the resources of one another to deliver high quality, engaging environmental education programming to residents throughout the Charlotte region and it is my job to coordinate those efforts.
I am a Charlotte native that was raised just across the river, in Mount Holly. I earned a B.S. in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I have worked throughout New England as an Environmental Educator with the nonprofit Nature’s Classroom. From Maine to North Carolina, I have taught in a variety of ecosystems along the East Coast.
Many weekends you can find me in the mountains of North Carolina volunteering at an off-grid educational nature preserve where I wears many hats; including directing the Girls Camp in the summer. In my free time, I enjoys hiking, foraging, and crafting throughout the woodlands of the Carolinas!
Jennings Storie
Education Manager
storie@dsbg.org
Jennings Storie - Education Manager
Hi, I’m Jennings Storie, a North Carolinian through and through. My roots are deeply embedded in the landscapes around Lake Norman, where my childhood was a tapestry of kayaking adventures and explorations. Currently calling Denver home, I share my life’s journey with my husband.
In 2022, I proudly graduated from Montreat College with a major in Education and a dual minor in Outdoor Education and Environmental Science. Post-graduation, I embarked on a fulfilling path, initially as a Pre-K educator and a member of the Animal Care department at the Schiele Museum in Gastonia. For the past three years, I was a part of the Catawba Riverkeeper team, transitioning from a kayak tech role to an educator over the last two summers. This journey has been an incredible opportunity to contribute to positive outdoor learning experiences for all age groups.
I am excited to bring those experiences to my role as part of the collaboration with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper. The prospect of continuing to facilitate enriching outdoor learning experiences fills me with excitement and purpose.
Beyond work, my heart finds joy in camping escapades, volunteering with animals, and scouring the NC coast for elusive shark teeth. Join me on this journey of exploration and education as we traverse the beauty of nature together!
Lori Wilhite
Visitor Engagement Manager
wilhite@dsbg.org
Lori Wilhite - Visitor Engagement Manager
Hi! I am Lori Wilhite and have been with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden since 2019, currently serving in the capacity of the Visitor Engagement Manager. I am an experienced educator with over 20 years in the education field with different areas of focus including creative curriculum and hands on learning for young children. My educational experience, skills, and passion for working with children have helped me to expand the Garden programs, management of butterfly exhibit and community outreach programs like our holiday community trees.
When I am not at the Garden, I enjoy spending my time with my husband, three children and my dog. I also like spending time in my own garden and participating in numerus outdoor sports.
Private Events Team
Retail Team
Faith Wrubel
Garden Store Manager
bezant@dsbg.org
Faith Bezant - Garden Store Manager
Hi there! My name is Faith, and I am the Garden Store Manager. Though I am originally from Livonia, NY, my heart has been spread across many states! Growing up in a small rural town led me to my love of nature and the peace it brings. From a very young age, I would use the woods around me as an adventure out of reality. I would stay outside until my mom called me in for dinner, even though I would insist I could live off the land. As I got older, I outgrew that small town and needed to explore new places. When my Husband and I met in 2015, we both wanted to see more of the world, so we left our jobs and traveled in a small rental car for 7 weeks around the United States. It was a life-changing experience to see vastly different geographies, without leaving our own country. This trip propelled us towards not only wanting to visit new places, but to live there and immerse ourselves in the culture. We moved a year later to New Orleans, followed by Asheville and we have now been in the Charlotte Metro Area for 3 years.
I have worked in retail since 2010 and have been in retail management since I was 20 years old with a mission to bring out passion in others. I began working at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in 2019 as Garden Store Manager. Shortly after, the pandemic hit. It was a perfect time to reconsider my own passions. I am now doing the three things I love the most: attending nursing school, traveling, and working at this beautiful botanical garden! I love my coworkers and the dedication they have to the garden, as well as the beauty and life of the garden we work at.
My favorite season at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is fall. Something about the crisp air, crunch of the leaves and dewy drops each morning transports me to my childhood autumn memories. Each season at the garden holds something special for everyone who visits. My favorite part about working at a nonprofit is the enormous difference you can make every day within the community and the healing that comes with it!
Marketing & Communications
Steph Newman
Creative Director
newman@dsbg.org
Steph Newman – Creative Director
Hello! My name is Steph Newman, and I am the Creative Director at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. I am thankful to work where my passion for creativity intertwines with the vibrant beauty of nature.
As the Creative Director, I orchestrate advertising, social media, graphic design, web design, and place-making initiatives, sculpting a harmonious blend of art and nature. My role extends beyond the Garden’s confines, as I foster connections with local musicians, curate live music shows, and cultivate relationships with artists, nurturing a flourishing arts community. Currently, I proudly serve on the board of the Gaston Arts Council.
Beyond the professional realm, I’m a creative spirit who finds joy in singing, crafting, designing, and building. I am passionate about building a bridge between arts and nature, leveraging this connection to inspire appreciation and preservation of the natural world.
Living along the banks of the South Fork Catawba River in Cramerton, NC, I share my home with my husband and two canine companions, fostering a deep connection with the local landscape that fuels my creative endeavors. With over a decade in the area, I continue to strive to infuse the spirit of creativity into the heart of this community.
Operations Team
Vanessa Covington
Director of Operations
covington@dsbg.org
Vanessa Covington – Director of Operations
Hello! I am Vanessa Covington. As the Director of Operations, I help to provide operational excellence at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Catawba Riverkeeper. I am responsible for developing, leading, and managing all facets of operational service for our staff and guest experience. I have 15+ years in community engagement and organizational management. I have previously worked for Carolina Thread Trail and Catawba Lands Conservancy, REI, and Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
I graduated from Bradley University with a degree in communications. I live in Charlotte with my husband and two children. I enjoy exploring near and far communities, kayaking, hiking, and camping.
Scott Bradley
Facilities Manager
bradley@dsbg.org
Scott Bradley - Facilities Manager
My name is Scott Bradley. I retired in 2021 from York County Government in South Carolina after 28 years in Facilities Maintenance, the first two years as a maintenance technician and the last 26 of those as the supervisor. I was responsible for planning and designing, as well as overseeing improvements of company projects.
After I retired, I was looking for a job that would challenge me and introduce me to new opportunities. I found that when I was hired by Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden as the Facilities Manager. The responsibilities are similar, but on a smaller scale. The repairs here must be done in a timely manner to keep the gardens safe for the visitors and the employees.
I had never experienced the Christmas lights at Daniel Stowe until I started working here. I enjoyed watching the visitors and their families as they strolled through the gardens viewing the lights.
Louis Racick
Facility Technician
racick@dsbg.org
Louis Racick - Facilities
My name is Scott Bradley. I retired in 2021 from York County Government in South Carolina after 28 years in Facilities Maintenance, the first two years as a maintenance technician and the last 26 of those as the supervisor. I was responsible for planning and designing, as well as overseeing improvements of company projects.
After I retired, I was looking for a job that would challenge me and introduce me to new opportunities. I found that when I was hired by Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden as the Facilities Manager. The responsibilities are similar, but on a smaller scale. The repairs here must be done in a timely manner to keep the gardens safe for the visitors and the employees.
I had never experienced the Christmas lights at Daniel Stowe until I started working here. I enjoyed watching the visitors and their families as they strolled through the gardens viewing the lights.
Larry Rogers
Facility Technician
rogers@dsbg.org
Larry Rogers - Facilities
My name is Scott Bradley. I retired in 2021 from York County Government in South Carolina after 28 years in Facilities Maintenance, the first two years as a maintenance technician and the last 26 of those as the supervisor. I was responsible for planning and designing, as well as overseeing improvements of company projects.
After I retired, I was looking for a job that would challenge me and introduce me to new opportunities. I found that when I was hired by Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden as the Facilities Manager. The responsibilities are similar, but on a smaller scale. The repairs here must be done in a timely manner to keep the gardens safe for the visitors and the employees.
I had never experienced the Christmas lights at Daniel Stowe until I started working here. I enjoyed watching the visitors and their families as they strolled through the gardens viewing the lights.
