Welcome Jamie Maslyn Larson, Our New Executive Director!
January 15, 2022
Dear Tohono Chul Family,
We are excited to announce that Jamie Maslyn Larson will take the lead as our new executive director starting February 1! Selected after a 5-month national search, she is the fourth person to lead Tohono Chul since its founding in 1985 and follows current Executive Director Dr. Christine Conte who retires after leading the organization for more than a decade.
“Jamie brings more than 25 years of experience as an award-winning landscape architect and firm leader,” says Sasha Case, Tohono Chul Board of Trustees President. “Her career has focused on creating transformative public spaces that connect people to nature and includes leadership positions working with public gardens and cultural institutions, such as the first-ever masterplan of the Longwood Gardens, one of the great gardens of the world, and Longwood’s Main Fountain Garden Revitalization project—a garden that combines landscape design with art, innovation, technology and extraordinary fountains. Jamie also led the inaugural masterplan for the Houston Botanic Garden, whose first phase opened in 2020.”
A Tucson resident, Jamie was raised in Phoenix and received her Master of Landscape Architecture from Utah State University and Bachelor of Fine Arts from Northern Arizona University. She is a Fellow of the American Association of Landscape Architects and a licensed landscape architect in Arizona, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
“Over the last few years, many people have turned to nature for inspiration, solace, stress release, and to gather together in open space. As a premier public garden that merges nature and culture, Tohono Chul has a meaningful role in supporting the health and vitality of our community and our region. As I join Tohono Chul, I hope to build from the generous vision of benefactors Richard and Jean Wilson, who sought to preserve this ‘desert corner’ for generations of visitors,” says Maslyn Larson.
Ms. Case continued: “We are excited about Jamie’s skills leading initiatives that are at the forefront of innovation and her deep experience in creating inclusive engagement processes, ensuring that Tohono Chul will continue to benefit the community and attract visitors from around the world. Dr. Conte’s legacy of vision and commitment has placed Tohono Chul in a sweet spot. As the fourth executive director ready to take the helm, we are confident that Jamie will flourish in her leadership role, continuing Conte’s efforts to make this delightful garden a model for sustainability in the community and beyond.”
