Jennifer O. Rominiecki
President & CEO, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota
Rominiecki joined Marie Selby Botanical Gardens as president and CEO in 2015 and launched an ambitious plan to expand and upgrade the gardens and visitor complex. The nonprofit organization has 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with nature and regional history on its two campuses. Over more than four decades, it has amassed the world’s most diverse collection of wild orchids. It has a staff of 75 employees and 800 volunteers. In January 2024, Selby Gardens opened the first net-positive energy botanical garden complex in the world, generating more energy than consumed.
EDUCATION: Lafayette College (BA)
IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would prioritize environmental protection for Florida and its waterways — including prevention of red tide and algal blooms. As the chair of VISIT FLORIDA, we are striving to establish Florida as the world’s No. 1 travel destination. Tourism for our economy and quality of life for our residents hinge on our world class beaches and natural settings. Environmental protection is critical to what makes Florida such a coveted destination for both travel and daily life.
READING: Begin with We: 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining A Culture of Excellence, by Kyle McDowell
MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA: “The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.” — Amelia Earhart. In order to succeed, you must be able to persevere in the face of your detractors, and you must have unswerving conviction and commitment to what you are trying to achieve. Stay the course!
WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Stick to your vision amidst any setbacks that arise. The master plan for Selby Gardens’ downtown Sarasota campus met with opposition from neighbors and was turned down by the City Commission in November 2019. By January 2020, we had a revised plan, which was approved, resulting in opening the first net positive energy botanical garden complex in the world. Resiliency in the face of adversity is key. When you receive a No you need to keep going and figure out how to turn it into a Yes.
