Perry Mathewes Email & Phone Number

Columbus, Oh, Us

Winchester, Virginia, United States

Collaborate with two Deputy Directors as part of the leadership team during the Executive Director search process. Specific added duties include management of budget for the organization, liaison with the Glass-Glen Burnie Foundation, management of select high-level donors

Winchester, Virginia

As the Deputy Director, Museum Operations at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, I lead various departments, including Gardens, Facilities, and Safety and Security. My team and I are committed to ensuring operational efficiency and preserving the institution’s valuable assets. I actively oversee the strategic implementation of our master plan aimed at enhancing and expanding our facilities, which encompasses major projects like the renovation of our formal gardens, construction of new infrastructure such as entry roads and parking facilities, rigorous stormwater management efforts, and the creation of an extensive 5-mile trail network enjoyed by 100,000+ visitors a year.My role extends beyond operations into strategic leadership, where I coordinate with various committees to significantly influence our master planning and refine our educational strategies. I mentor key management staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing leadership capabilities within our team. My commitment to cross-departmental collaboration has been crucial in integrating program development and amplifying the museum’s mission communication.I have directed improvements in the operations of our Facilities and Security departments through strategic management and skilled staffing. My leadership has also been pivotal in developing and deepening community engagement through innovative educational programs. Furthermore, I ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, which enhances our disaster planning and response strategies and contributes to a more resilient organizational structure.Managing an annual budget of $1.8 million, I prioritize fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation to support these broad-ranging initiatives. My dedication to meticulous planning and execution ensures that each project aligns with and actively furthers the museum's mission to enrich visitor experiences and preserve our cultural heritage.

Lead horticultural strategy for a multi-site property comprising more than 500-acres, which includes seven-acre formal gardens, public spaces with a trail network, two operational farms, and a designated historic Civil War battlefield. I am dedicated to ensuring operational excellence and the preservation of green spaces. I manage a skilled team of seven staff, focusing on leadership development and fostering a collaborative environment to enhance garden operations. My role involves administering financial oversight, efficiently managing both annual and capital project budgets to optimize resource allocation and ensure fiscal sustainability. I direct comprehensive landscape projects, aligning them with our strategic Master Plan to enhance visitor experience and garden conservation. My responsibilities include liaising with external vendors, such as landscape architects and contractors, to deliver high-quality and innovative garden solutions. I actively engage and expand volunteer involvement through robust programs that support daily activities and special initiatives, significantly boosting community engagement and educational outreach. I initiated a successful annual plant sale that currently brings in $60K revenue yearly. Additionally, I curate educational content and programs to increase public engagement and raise awareness about the importance of horticulture and ecological stewardship. Through effective communication on digital platforms, I author a garden blog that shares expert knowledge, showcases garden advancements, and promotes environmental education.

As a seasoned leader in visitor engagement at Norfolk Botanical Garden, I coordinated the design and operation of innovative programs, including trams and boats, that enhanced visitor experience and accessibility. I managed a dynamic team of Public Program Coordinators and guides, focusing on professional development and high-quality program delivery. My efforts in developing interpretative and educational materials significantly boosted educational outreach and visitor satisfaction. I handled the education program's financial management, strategically allocating budgets to maximize impact and sustain excellence. My role extended to directing digital communication strategies, which included overseeing two major website redesigns and enhancing user engagement. I contributed to and edited our Bloom member magazine, played a pivotal role in digital content creation, and managed a highly successful wildlife video stream, the "Eagle Cam," which drew over 20 million viewers, significantly increasing global awareness and support for our conservation efforts. My hands-on involvement as the Eagle Cam operator and moderator allowed me to interact with a global audience, providing valuable educational insights and promoting our garden's initiatives.

Norolk, Va

As Interim Director of Education & Communications at Norfolk Botanical Garden, I spearheaded the strategic planning and execution of all educational programs, significantly enhancing learning opportunities and fostering greater community engagement. I led comprehensive marketing and public relations efforts, significantly elevating the Garden's profile and extending its community reach. Demonstrating fiscal responsibility, I effectively administered an annual budget of $900,000, aligning financial strategies with our objectives for FY 2010. I managed a diverse team across five key program areas—Adult Education, Children's Programs, Public Programs, Marketing/Public Relations, and Volunteer Coordination—enhancing operational efficiency and team collaboration. My leadership ensured that our initiatives aligned with the Garden's mission, maximizing the impact of educational and communication efforts.

New Bern, North Carolina, United States

As Landscape Superintendent at Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens, I oversaw the horticultural operations of a 25-acre state-operated historic site, upholding its horticultural and historical integrity. I led a diverse team of 21 professionals across Garden Operations, Education, Building Trades, Mechanical Trades, and Artifact Conservation/Housekeeping, demonstrating strong leadership and collaborative success. I managed dual departmental budgets involving state and private funds, showcasing my financial acumen, and executed major capital projects, including a $500,000 streetscape renovation that improved the site’s accessibility and visual appeal. I curated a vibrant collection of seasonal and permanent plantings, maintained historical accuracy in the design and upkeep of 12 formal flower gardens and a large vegetable garden, and drove public and scholarly program development that significantly enhanced community engagement. Additionally, I transformed a seasonal volunteer program into a year-round initiative, increasing volunteer participation and support. I organized a successful annual plant sale that generated sufficient revenue to fund the Greenhouse Manager position.

New Bern, North Carolina, United States

As Curator of Gardens at Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens, I developed and executed innovative educational programs that enhanced public engagement and deepened community knowledge of horticultural practices. I produced a diverse range of educational materials, which played a crucial role in fostering an understanding of the historical and horticultural significance of the gardens. My strategic initiatives included authoring and implementing a comprehensive living collections policy to ensure the preservation and sustainability of our plant collections and crafting an interpretation plan that aligned the historic garden displays with educational goals and historical accuracy. I also led a roundtable of historians and landscape scholars to effectively integrate garden research findings into practice. Additionally, I managed all aspects of the living collections, overseeing the meticulous coordination and maintenance of plant species to maintain horticultural excellence and historical authenticity.

Collaborated with director and curators in design, preparation and installation of permanent and temporary exhibits of art, archaeology, astronomy.

Assisted in the management of a early 20th-century historic site and garden.