Longwood Gardens Selects First Fellows for Prestigious Leadership Program

New, 13-month, residential program chooses five talented professionals for its inaugural class

KENNETT SQUARE, Pennsylvania, March 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Longwood Gardens today announced the five talented professionals selected for its prestigious Longwood Gardens Fellows Program, continuing a legacy of developing global leaders in horticulture that began in 1967. After a rigorous selection process, the Fellows chosen are Andrew Bell (Washington, DC); Kaslin Daniels (New York); Neil Gerlowski (Mexico); Patrick MacRae (New York) and Julia Thome (Washington, DC). For complete information on the Fellows, visit www.longwoodgardens.org/longwood-fellows.

"We are excited to welcome our cohort to the Longwood Gardens Fellows Program," said Paul B. Redman, President and CEO of Longwood Gardens. "The impressive qualifications of these talented professionals coupled with their passion for advancing public horticulture and a desire to lead, perfectly positions them to tackle the challenging and enriching opportunities awaiting them in the Fellows Program," said Redman.     

The Program received more than 200 online applications; 10 were chosen for interviews. Final selections were made by a distinguished panel of seven jurors representing prominent public gardens from the US and the UK.

During the 13-month, fully funded, cohort-based residency at Longwood, Fellows delve into topical issues relevant to public horticulture today such as leadership, board relations and governance, communication skills, change management, innovation, and HR/talent management. A two-month international field placement provides a deeper understanding of these issues, equipping Fellows to lead organizations into a vibrant and sustainable future. Alumni of the Fellows Program join the prestigious Society of Fellows, a global network of public garden professionals.

Since 1967, thousands of students from across the globe have participated in Longwood's intensive education programs, ranging from internships to the two-year Professional Gardener Program to the Longwood Graduate Program. Graduates have gone on to leadership roles in many of the world's top horticultural institutions. Nominations and applications for the 2018 cohort will open September 1, 2017. Learn more at www.longwoodgardens.org/longwood-fellows.

About Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is one of the world's great gardens, encompassing 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ and a 4-acre conservatory. Longwood continues the mission set forth by founder Pierre du Pont to inspire people through excellence in garden design, horticulture, education and the arts.