Executive Leadership
John Searby
Executive Director
John Searby – Executive Director
Hi, my name is John Searby. As CEO, I am responsible for the overall leadership of Stowe and Catawba Riverkeeper and serve each as their primary visionary, strategic leader and relationship developer. I lead a shared senior leadership team responsible for the joint operation of both organizations and charged with developing administrative economies of scale, joint programming and enhanced missional impact for two of the Charlotte region’s most important environmental nonprofits.
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 Stowe in March 2023.
I currently reside just minutes from Stowe on the banks of the South Fork River in Belmont, NC with my wife, Jessi, and two teenage children, Jack and Josie. I serve the Charlotte region as the President of the Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition and Board Secretary of the Catawba Nation Foundation. I am also a member of the Gaston County Travel & Tourism Board of Advisors and serve as Chairman of the South Fork Collective.
Tracy Smith
Chief of Staff
Tracy Smith - Chief of Staff
Hi! My name is Tracy Smith, and I am the Chief of Staff for Stowe. 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 Stowe team, I didn’t hesitate. As a resident of Belmont, I was very familiar with the beauty of the Gardens 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 Stowe, knowing not to take any of it for granted as I feel so fortunate to be part of the team.
Horticulture
Jason Bonham
Horticulture Director
Jason Bonham - Director of Horticulture
Hello everyone, my name is Jason Bonham and I have been interested in plants for as long as I can remember. My older brother and I used to spend every day in the woods exploring, building tree forts and searching for salamanders and frogs. When I went to college at Ohio University, I knew I wanted to do something with plants. It wasn’t until accepting an internship in Hawaii at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens that I knew I wanted to focus on Public Gardens. After graduating with a degree in Botany, I interned at Longwood Gardens and then moved to California to work at Lotusland in Santa Barbara and then the University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley.
My job here at the Gardens at Stowe 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 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
Garden Curator
Karen Kottkamp - Curator
Hi! My name is Karen Kottkamp, and since early 2022, I’ve had the honor of being the Curator of The Gardens at Stowe 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 Gardens. Cheers!
Lindsey Bargar
Formal Gardens Manager
Lindsey Bargar, Formal Gardens Manager
Hi, I’m Lindsey Bargar, the Formal Gardens Manager at The Gardens at Stowe.
I didn’t start my career in horticulture right away. With a degree in commercial photography, my journey into the world of plants began in 2020. Since then, I’ve gained experience working on flower farms, in florist shops and at plant nurseries. I even had a short stint at a hydroponic farm. I also took horticulture classes at Trident Tech in Charleston before returning to my hometown of Rock Hill and joining the team at Stowe.
In my role here, I maintain and design the formal gardens. This involves basic tasks like weeding and mulching, as well as designing, planting, and ensuring the gardens look their best. My expertise is primarily with ornamental annuals and perennials, though I’m growing more confident with woody shrubs and trees. Flowers are my true passion.
What I enjoy most about working at Stowe is the encouraging and positive work environment. My team looks out for each other, and we can always count on each other for help with projects. It’s a great balance of teamwork and independent work. I appreciate the trust and time we’re given to make our spaces beautiful.
Outside of work, I love gardening at home, helping friends with their gardens and I’m an avid collector of houseplants!
Katherine Baxter
Perennial Gardens Manager
Katherine Baxter - Perennial Gardens Manager
Hello, I’m Katherine and I’m the Perennial Gardens Manager! I’m from the Triad of North Carolina and I went to school for Environmental & Sustainability Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. During my studies, my passion for gardening was sparked when I became involved in the university community garden and interned at The Edible Schoolyard in Greensboro.
After graduating from UNCG, I worked as an environmental educator at the NC coast and for NC State Parks. I’ve learned how to help my community connect with nature through completing my NC Environmental Education Certification. My favorite spot in the garden is The Sunken Pond in Lost Hollow – this beautiful pond provides habitat for aquatic turtles, snakes, fish, birds and insects!
Allyssa Boerngen
Horticulturist (Formal Garden)
Allyssa Boergnen - Horticulturist
Cassy Hallman
Conservation Ecologist
Cassy Hallman - Conservation Ecologist
Chloe Linton
Williamson Conservatory Manager
Chloe Linton - Williamson Conservatory Manager
Janet Manuel
Ecological Stewardship Manager
Janet Manuel - Ecological Stewardship Manager
Louis Racick
Natural Resources Technician
Louis Racick - Natural Resources Technician
Hello! My name is Louis. I was born in Germany and lived there for 5 years before moving to the Carolinas. My start in horticulture began at Teqa Hills Farm, which is a local hydropower farm.
I am in charge of land management and facilities here at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. I started here part time in horticulture, and then worked my way up from there. My favorite part about working here is helping with holiday events, socializing and educating our patrons. In my free time, I enjoy sculpting and prop building. A fun fact about me is that I worked as a commercial photographer for over a decade!
I had never experienced the Christmas lights at Stowe until I started working here. I enjoyed watching the visitors and their families as they strolled through the Gardens viewing the lights.
Dylan Wrubel
Horticulture Operations Manager
Dylan Wrubel - Horticulture Operations Manager
Advancement, Development + Communications
Diana Knudsen
Vice President of Advancement & Communications
Diana Knudson - Vice President of Advancement and Communications
My name is Diana Knudsen and I serve as Vice President of Advancement and Communications for Stowe and Catawba Riverkeeper. I work to raise funds for and grow the membership of both organizations, as well as directing marketing activities.
I began working at the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation in 2012 after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kenan-Flagler Business School with a concentration in Marketing. In 2024, my role expanded to include Stowe in addition to Catawba Riverkeeper. I am a native of Charlotte where I live with my husband and two children. My love for the river and nature and desire to protect it comes from spending time at my grandparents’ home on Lake Wylie.
Brittney Speaks
Development Director
Brittney Speaks -Director of Development
Hi! My name is Brittney Speaks and I am the Director of Development at Stowe. I am a native to Gaston County and grew up in McAdenville, better known as “Christmas Town, USA.” I graduated from Ashbrook High School 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 Stowe allows me the privilege of getting to know our members and visitors, providing them with information about Stowe 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 Gardens, and I was amazed and captivated by their beauty. Remembering the fun of running under the tunnel fountain and the magnificent view of the stained-glass dome in the Garden Pavilion, 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 Stowe since the very beginning, and watching others create long lasting memories here.
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!
Caitlin Conner
Marketing + Communications Manager
Caitlin Conner, Marketing and Communications Manager
Hi! My name is Caitlin Conner and I am the Marketing and Communications Manager at Stowe. I may have just moved to North Carolina in September of 2024, but the minute I stepped foot on the Stowe property for the first time, it felt like home. I love that I get to appreciate and enjoy all the wonderful features of Stowe every day, from hikes on the trails to attending community events to grabbing a cup of coffee from the Trailhead Store to wandering the Gardens and taking in all their beauty. Getting to experience and witness the magic of Stowe firsthand makes my job of sharing these amazing opportunities with the community so exciting and rewarding.
I earned my Bachelor’s of Arts in English and Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and began my career there as a Marketing Coordinator. Since then, I have worked in marketing and communications for nearly a decade, with a focus in higher education. As I planned my move to North Carolina, I was excited for the chance to work at Stowe, as this position merges some of my biggest personal and professional passions in life: spending time outdoors, a daily dose of creativity and helping others get out and explore nature.
Having recently moved to the Charlotte area with my husband and our two dogs, we love getting out and discovering everything this amazing area has to offer, such as hiking trails, breweries, live music and local restaurants. In my free time, I love hiking, biking, rollerblading, traveling, reading, writing and thrifting.
Aaron Cressman
Guest Services Manager
Aaron Cressman - Guest Services Manager
Erin Fisher
Membership Manager
Erin Fisher - Membership Manager
Education + Programs
Morgan Long
Deputy Program Director
Morgan Long – Deputy Program Director
Hello! My name is Morgan Long. As Deputy Program Director, I provide senior leadership and strategic direction for all educational and outdoor recreation programming at Stowe 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 our collaboration, both Stowe 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 Bachelor’s of Science 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.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, foraging and crafting throughout the woodlands of the Carolinas!
Rachel Andrea
Recreation Manager
Rachel Andrea - Recreation Manager
Hi, I’m Rachel Andrea, the Recreation Manager at Stowe.
I grew up in Pasadena, Maryland, on the Magothy River, where I spent my childhood crabbing and swimming in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. After attending college in Virginia, my husband and I moved to Charlotte, NC, and then to Cramerton, NC.
My career in recreation began with Cramerton Parks and Recreation, where I worked in Athletics and later transitioned to Special Events and Programming. There, I helped run large community events like group paddles and celebrating the outdoors. I also enjoyed running summer camps and programs such as outdoor yoga and nature explorer camps. At Stowe, my primary responsibilities include creating fun and memorable outdoor experiences, including 5Ks, events and helping visitors find beauty in spending time outdoors.
What I enjoy most about working at Stowe is the opportunity to work in such a unique and beautiful place with so many spaces for exploration.
Outside of my work at Stowe, I enjoy volunteering with a local Boy Scouts Troop/Pack, nature walks with my family, hiking and paddling on the river. I also love getting my hands dirty in the garden and taking pictures of the animals and birds that visit my yard and neighborhood.
Ceci Kammire
Volunteer Coordinator
Ceci Kammire - Volunteer Coordinator
My name is Ceci Kammire and I am the Volunteer Coordinator at Stowe.
Growing up on a farm in Lexington, North Carolina, I have always loved spending time outdoors and exploring the unique ecosystems found across the Carolinas. In 2021 I received my Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Environmental Studies from Wake Forest University, and I recently earned my Master’s in Natural Resources from Virginia Tech University. Prior to joining the team at Stowe, I worked as the Volunteer Assistant with Catawba Riverkeeper, which opened my eyes to the powerful ways in which volunteer and community science programs can protect and restore our shared environments.
In my role, I am responsible for overseeing ongoing volunteer recruitment, training, management and providing enriching opportunities for volunteers. I am grateful to work for such a beautiful place that fosters environmental stewardship by offering the community a variety of hands-on opportunities to engage with nature. I also love that I learn something new every day from our passionate staff and dedicated volunteers.
In my free time I love hiking, painting, nature photography and browsing in antique stores.
Jennings Storie
Education Manager
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 Stowe 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!
Events
Philip Dodds
Events and Guest Services Director
Philip Dodds - Event and Guest Services Director
Hello, my name is Philip Dodds, and I am the Events and Guest Services Director at Stowe. I was born in the Cotswolds, England, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and have always preferred to be outside. My family moved to Gaston County in 2002. For the last 19 years, I was the Membership Director for Carmel Country Club in Charlotte. Before that, I worked on both sides of the pond, predominantly in sales and marketing roles within the hospitality industry.
When the opportunity to work at Stowe presented itself, I jumped at it for many reasons. I have visited The Gardens many times over the years and have always loved their natural beauty and what it represents and does for the local community. I enjoy gardening and being outdoors. I consider myself a local, even though I have a funny accent, and both our boys live locally.
I am excited to work with an enthusiastic team of professionals and making your experience at Stowe the best for you and your family. Additionally, I aim to attract visitors to enjoy not just Stowe, but also to discover how the different areas, both indoor and outdoor, can be used for many different celebrations that you may not be aware of!
Monica Doolan
Private Events Manager
Monica Doolan, Private Events Manager
Hello! My name is Monica Doolan and I am the Private Events Manager here at Stowe. I have spent 17 years of my life living in Mariposa, California (a rural mountain community located 45 minutes from Yosemite National Park). Passion and gratitude for natural beauty has been instilled in me after a childhood spent hiking the Eastern Sierra and swimming the Merced River. Once my husband and I relocated to Belmont in 2014, the first item on our list was to find our favorite places of natural beauty and we discovered Stowe! The garden is our family’s happy place and we have filled our own yard at home with flora that we have discovered while walking the brick paths here.
I have appreciated The Gardens at Stowe as a member for 10 years and am now so thrilled to be a part of such a dedicated, hard-working team. I bring with me 14 years of customer service and hospitality experience. The highlight of working here is being able to introduce guests to Stowe for the very first time and to witness magical weddings at a venue unlike any other!
Kate Graham
Public Events Manager
Kate Graham - Public Events Manager
My name is Kate Graham, and I am the Public Events Manager at Stowe. 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 during my previous role as Guest Services Lead. After working various roles in customer service throughout my adult life, from brick-and-mortar retail to digital assistance, I am incredibly grateful to work in our gorgeous Garden 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 gardens 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 and graphic design.
Retail
Holly Frey
Director of Retail Operations
Holly Frey - Director of Retail Operations
Chad Berney
Village Manager
Chad Berney - Village Manager
Hi, my name is Chad Berney and As the Village Manager, I oversee the operations of the Trailhead Store and Farmhouse Garden Center. I hail from the great state of Alabama where I grew up playing sports and learning the guitar. I graduated from the University of Alabama majoring in Communications which led me to working in a recording studio shortly in Atlanta before moving to Virginia. There I ran a retail store specializing in musical instruments and helping students excel in music. After a venture into the corporate world working my way forward at GEICO, my family moved to Belmont. Here I discovered the great folks at the Catawba Riverkeeper organization. The work and connection that they share with Stowe has been the perfect fit for me and my family.
In my role at Stowe, I manage The Trailhead Store, where we serve coffee, wine, beer, N/A beverages and snacks, as well as supporting and planning events on Stowe’s beautiful trails. Our cozy coffee shop is the perfect spot to take in just some of the beauty that the garden has to offer. I make it a point to instill in my staff that we are all ‘experience ambassadors’ and we strive to make each visit from our guests a delightful and memorable adventure.
My favorite part of working at Stowe? I enjoy the staff that we work with every day. Each of us plays such a valuable singular role but at the same time we are a cohesive team. We all come together to help enhance the visitor experience and it’s a rewarding thing to see.
I’ll admit that I’m not the gardener that you’re looking for, but I appreciate the majestic beauty across the 360 acres that we have before us. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and exploring new things, hiking and cooking when I can. Music still plays an important role in my life, and I look forward to the musical events that we host at Stowe.
Danielle Christian
Big Leaf Café + Shop Manager
Danielle Christian - Big Leaf Manager
Hi, my name is Danielle Christian and I am the Big Leaf Café + Shop Retail Manager. With a background in customer service, I’ve always loved spaces that bring people together. Serving the garden community has given me the chance to slow down, share stories and build relationships with the people who make this place special. The responsibilities I value most in my position here at Stowe are building community through conversation, mindful hospitality and attention to detail.
My favorite part of working for Daniel Stowe Conservancy is being surrounded by beauty and growth. The Gardens are a peaceful space that naturally invites connection, creativity and curiosity. I love getting to be a small part of someone’s day. When I’m not at Stowe, Trail walking and hiking with my dog is my favorite way to recharge and connect with nature. My pup and I are big fans of fresh air, good views and long walks uphill.
Administration
Vanessa Covington
Human Resources Manager
Vanessa Covington – Human Resources Manager
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.
Shelly Staton
Director of Finance
Shelly Staton – Director of Finance
Hi, I’m Shelly Staton, Director of Finance at Stowe.
My interest in the finance industry began at the early age of 18 when I started working in banking. This interest grew into a passion, leading me to further my education. I earned a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Business Administration and Business Finance and then went on to receive my Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting.
My educational accomplishments and eagerness to enter the accounting workforce landed me a prominent position as an Accounting Manager for a nonprofit religious private school. After fine-tuning my skillset there, I became a Retail Accountant, responsible for managing the finances of eleven retail stores across various states.
At Stowe, I am responsible for managing the day-to-day finance functions for the Daniel Stowe Conservancy and Catawba Riverkeeper to include the oversight of all financial operations. I manage the daily finance and accounting operations and assist staff and vendors with any finance-related questions. I’ve enjoyed the inclusiveness, warm welcomes and support I have found at Stowe. I love my job at Stowe and am excited to continue learning and growing in this beautiful environment.
Outside of work, I have three beautiful daughters, and we all love being active outdoors and enjoying nature. We’re also looking forward to starting our own at-home fruit and veggie garden!
Facilities
Scott Bradley
Facilities Director
Scott Bradley - Facilities Director
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 Director. 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.
Howard Stapleton
Facility Technician
Howard Stapleton - Facilities Technician
My name is Howard Stapleton and I am a Facilities Technician at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. I worked in my family business for 30 years, specializing in utility maintenance, landscape supply, and design. After that, I transitioned into working for York County for eight years, specializing in buildings and ground maintenance.
In my position as Facilities Technician, my primary responsibility is taking care of the buildings and grounds on the property. My favorite part of my work is seeing the patrons enjoy and explore the areas that I maintain.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, and camping, as well as spending time with my family.
