Our People
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Cynthia D. Klemmer, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Cindy has had a lifelong love of plants, gardening, and nature since childhood, when she learned gardening by following her grandfather around his half-acre garden and explored the east Texas Piney Woods with her sister.
This led her to study horticulture, earning a Bachelor of Science in Horticultural Sciences from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Public Horticulture Administration from the Longwood Graduate Program at the University of Delaware. In her master’s studies, Cindy's research focused on the planning and creation of exhibits for youth and family audiences.
After serving for several years as ‘The Plant Mobile Lady’ for the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in Boston, Cindy returned to Texas A&M University and earned her Ph.D. in Horticultural Sciences. Her research focused on STEM/science achievement of students involved in school gardening programs.
Cindy has served at a number of botanical gardens over several decades, most recently as the Public Gardens Manager for the City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department, where she managed the Zilker Botanical Garden, the historic Mayfield Estate, and the city’s numerous community gardens. She was thrilled to come to Mobile where it actually rains!
Cindy has worked in the interface of plants and people throughout her career, and has a passion for creating nature-based programs, events, and exhibits that create engaging and meaningful experiences and cultivate a passion for nature in the community.
Todd Crandall
Director of facilities and maintenance
Todd Crandall worked 35 years as a business and industrial telecommunications/network infrastructure technician in Mobile and then found himself helping build a new tea farm in South Carolina. When he is not at work, Todd enjoys backyard DIY projects, carving wood spoons, riding bikes downtown to events with his wife and dog, and visiting the restaurants and breweries there.
Grace DuFresne
Director of Events and Member Services
Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Grace DuFresne recently moved to Mobile and is excited to call the Gulf Coast her home. Grace holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Widener University and brings a diverse background in retail, hospitality, and event management to her role. When Grace is not at work, you can usually find her in the great outdoors. She enjoys exploring Alabama's public lands and spending time on the Mississippi Sound in her jon boat. Of course, no adventure is complete without her two four-legged sidekicks, Winston and Scout!
Rush Fentress
Director of Programs and Communications
Rush Fentress joined Mobile Botanical Gardens after serving 11 years as Director of Education at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas. A former high school teacher, Rush brings a passion for connecting people with the natural world through meaningful educational experiences and community engagement. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mississippi State University and a Master of Science in Environmental Resiliency from the University of Arkansas, where his studies focused on the social dimensions of sustainable development.
Michael Klemmer
Interim Director of Horticulture
Michael Klemmer helps oversee the care, improvement, and development of the Gardens’ diverse plant collections and landscapes.
Prior to his work at the Mobile Botanical Gardens, Mike built a 25+ year career in grounds management at The University of Texas at Austin. His work has emphasized high-quality landscape maintenance, horticultural best practices, employee training, workplace safety, and the development of consistent grounds-maintenance standards. Mike’s approach to horticulture centers on creating and maintaining landscapes that are attractive, sustainable, educational, and reflective of the organizations and communities they serve.
Moe Moesinger
Groundskeeper
Marian Moesinger, who goes by the nickname “Moe,” was born in Germany and moved to Mobile when he was 2 years old. Moe is drawn to groundskeeping because it gives him the opportunity to work outside and enjoy nature. As the Gardens’ groundskeeper, Moe helps keep the Gardens mowed and trimmed and helps out with many other tasks as needed. Outside of work, Moe enjoys most everything outdoors, including hiking, kayaking and scuba diving. Moe has a great appreciation for nature and loves being around all kinds of animals.
Anne Wynn
Plant Records Specialist
Anne Wynn is responsible for maintaining the Gardens’ plant collection identification and labelling. She has a wonderful compilation of experience in natural resource management. She worked for the forest service as a field technician doing biological surveys and forest plot inventories and worked for many years with the Geological Survey of Alabama, creating GIS watershed maps for threatened and endangered aquatic species conservation. Anne earned her Bachelor of Arts in Geography at Auburn University and Master of Science in Geography at the University of Alabama. Anne has a passion for nature and enjoys cycling and kayaking.
Tanya Touart
Gift Shop Associate
Tanya retired from the medical field several years ago and then came to work at the Mobile Botanical Gardens in the gift shop. She loves greeting and meeting all the guests that come to visit the Gardens. She also enjoys gardening at home and spending time with her family.
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
President
William Barrick, Ph.D.
Legal
Stephen Clements
Treasurer
Allison Hall
Vice President for Finance
Neil Kennedy
Secretary
Carol Mackey
Vice President for Governance
Julie Moore
Vice President for education
Judy Stout, Ph.D.
Immediate Past President
Frederick Walch IV
Board Members
Cheryl Bosarge*
Beth Poates
Laura Frost, Ph.D.
Dana Renta, M.D.
Chuck Greer
David Schmohl
Jeb Schrenk
Forrest Latta
Vera Lynn Sheets
Jack Lecroy*
Janice Small
Barbara Malkove
Drew Walch
Zach Moore
* Ex officio