Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (CMBG) announced April 24 that Erin MacGregor-Forbes has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, responsible for day-to-day operations, staff management, and financial accounting functions. MacGregor-Forbes joined the Gardens four years ago as Chief Financial Officer, overseeing accounting, reporting, and banking relationships. Prior to the Gardens, MacGregor-Forbes held finance positions at Allagash Brewing and Sterling Rope. She is also co-owner of Overland Apiaries, based in Portland and Jefferson, and Chairman of the Eastern Apicultural Society, the largest noncommercial beekeeping organization in the country.

Also on April 24, CMBG announced the appointment of Joseph Paolillo as its Executive Director, responsible for the leadership of strategic objectives, implementation of visitor programs and promotion of the Gardens as one of the premier destinations in Maine. Paolillo, a three-decade resident of East Boothbay, was a co-owner of the nationally recognized Spruce Point Inn, which was recently sold. He has been involved for many years in the economic development and long-term planning for the Boothbay Region and active in the business community.

Andy Brand, who joined the staff in 2018, has been appointed Curator of Living Collections. A renowned plantsman with over 30 years' experience in horticulture, Brand was the nursery manager at Connecticut’s Broken Arrow Nursery for over 25 years. He is past President of the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association. He speaks to groups throughout the country on a range of topics including native plants, new and unusual ornamentals and gardening on the coast of Maine.

CMBG further announced that, after 11 years, William Cullina is leaving to become the Executive Director of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania. Cullina became Executive Director of the Gardens after serving several years as its first Plant and Garden Curator. Bill and Melissa Cullina have been instrumental in the nurturing and the growth of programs at CMBG. The Gardens is grateful for their contribution and dedication.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a nationally recognized public garden in Boothbay. Its mission is to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants and nature through horticulture, education and research. Its annual visitation includes guests from all 50 states and from 65 foreign countries.