Medical exec. Ron Cox named botanical garden director | Press Release

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks Names New Executive Director Ron Cox to Lead Garden

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., July 21, 2010 – The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is pleased to announce that Ron Cox has been appointed Executive Director of the Garden, and will officially start on July 26, 2010. Ron has 14 years of highly successful fundraising experience, including having received his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Since 1996, he has managed a non-profit organization and staff of similar size to that serving the Garden. Most recently, he held the position of Vice President of Network Development for St. Edward Mercy Medical Center, and before that, he served as Executive Director of the Mercy Foundation. Ron brings an impressive level of knowledge, experience and energy to the Garden and, as a Fayetteville resident, has an intimate knowledge of Northwest Arkansas, its culture and philanthropy.

The Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks board learned the value of a professional, full-time Executive Director with its hiring of Rae Von Holdt earlier this year. Following her unexpected resignation in May for personal and health reasons, the BGSO board launched its second search in six months. The Search Committee diligently interviewed and evaluated two-dozen local, national and international applicants, and ultimately found the ideal person for the job in Ron Cox, who exceeded expectations on the two primary selection criteria: demonstrated fundraising experience and demonstrated experience in operating a non-profit organization. The full-time director position is initially funded through a capacity building grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

“Speaking for the fifteen members of the BGSO board, I am confident that Ron will bring our organization to new heights and will help the board realize the long-range fundraising and master plan goals to complete the remaining twelve phases of the Garden,” said Walt Eilers, BGSO Board President. “The depth of his experience in both fundraising and non-profit management, his proven track record of successes, and his demonstrated commitment to the greater Northwest Arkansas community make him the perfect fit with our mission and will ensure the success of the Garden.”

“The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is a valuable cultural amenity for all of Northwest Arkansas and contributes to the quality of life for all NWA communities,” said Cox. “The Garden is supported by many individuals, groups and businesses throughout the area, and I am honored to have been selected as its next Executive Director. I look forward to working with the Garden’s outstanding board of directors, talented staff and generous volunteer corps in completing the Botanical Garden master plan, growing the Garden’s membership and expanding its educational and cultural programs.”

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