Dear SDBG community,

At San Diego Botanic Garden, every season brings new life, deeper roots, and renewed possibility. Today, we share news that reflects that natural rhythm of growth and continuity.

After more than 7 years of dedicated leadership, Dr. Ari Novy will begin a phased transition from his role as President & CEO of the Garden. Ari will continue serving full-time through February 2026, and then transition to a part-time role through June 2026, ensuring a seamless handoff, sustained momentum on key initiatives, and continued support for our Garden community. In fact, he will be speaking at the upcoming Sips & Science event on January 15, offering a timely and meaningful opportunity to hear directly from him as he reflects on the vital role botanic gardens play for us all.

During Ari’s tenure, the Garden has grown in extraordinary ways. Our budget and staff have tripled, science and conservation programs have flourished, and the Garden has strengthened its role as a place for joy, learning, and curiosity. Together, we have nurtured a resilient institution rooted in purpose and reaching confidently toward the future.

To carry this momentum forward, our Board of Directors has launched a national search for the Garden’s next President & CEO — a leader who shares our values, embraces our mission, and will steward the Garden into its next chapter of growth and community impact. The Board is committed to a thoughtful and transparent transition process and will share updates as they are available.

We are deeply grateful for Ari’s service and for the heart, vision, and dedication he has poured into this Garden. As part of his next season of leadership, Ari will become Executive Director of Cornell University Botanic Gardens, a role that reflects the national recognition of his work and the strength of the Garden community he has helped build here in San Diego.

We look forward to continuing this journey together — tending to what we’ve built and nurturing a future filled with possibility.

With gratitude,

Randi Coopersmith
Board Chair
San Diego Botanic Garden