News published 06 August 2026

Naples Botanical Garden announced the appointment of Dr. Emily E.D. Coffey as its next President & Chief Executive Officer following a thoughtful national search conducted by executive search firm Isaacson, Miller. Dr. Coffey will begin her role in October 2026.

An accomplished conservation scientist and botanical leader, Dr. Coffey joins Naples Botanical Garden from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where she serves as Vice President of Conservation & Research. Throughout her career, she has advanced plant conservation, scientific research, and the protection of rare and imperiled species while leading multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaborative partnerships, and championing the role of public gardens in conservation. Her experience positions her to lead Naples Botanical Garden through its next chapter of growth while building upon its global leadership in horticulture, conservation, education, and visitor engagement.
“Over the past three decades, Naples Botanical Garden has become an internationally recognized leader in horticulture, conservation, education, and visitor engagement,” said Cathy Funderburg, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Following a thoughtful national search, we are thrilled to welcome Emily Coffey. We are confident that her leadership will build upon the Garden’s remarkable momentum and inspire its next chapter of growth and impact.”

Prior to joining the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Dr. Coffey served on the biology faculty at the University of North Carolina Asheville and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford. She holds master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Oxford and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

“Naples Botanical Garden is a rare place where world-class conservation and world-class beauty exist side by side, and it’s already proven what’s possible when conservation, horticulture, and education work together,” said Dr. Coffey. “I’m excited to work alongside the Garden’s exceptional staff, volunteers, Board, donors, and community partners to build on this remarkable legacy and expand the Garden’s impact for generations to come.”

About Naples Botanical Garden
Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre, world-class botanical garden that connects people and plants through exceptional horticulture, education, conservation, and science. Home to cultivated gardens and 90 acres of restored natural areas, the Garden welcomes visitors from around the world while advancing plant conservation and serving as one of Southwest Florida’s premier cultural destinations. Every admission ticket, membership, and philanthropic gift helps support its mission.