Selby Gardens CEO guides attraction to national prominence

When Jennifer Rominiecki, a Manhattan native, was named president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens a decade ago, her goal, from the beginning, was focused on big changes. She essentially sought to transform the garden, long a prominent gem in Sarasota cultural and tourism circles, into a global masterpiece, and in doing so secure the nonprofit’s future.

This ongoing change is happening through a three-phase project at Selby’s main downtown campus, on 15 acres off the Sarasota Bay on Mound Street. Phase one, a $51 million project, is complete and phase two is expected to begin by the end of 2025. That $60.9 million phase includes a conservatory to house one of the world’s largest scientifically documented and diverse collections of orchids and bromeliads.