Ten years ago, Jennifer Rominiecki was a top-ranking official with the New York Botanical Garden who had never been to the Gulf Coast of Florida, much less Sarasota.
She had known about Marie Selby Botanical Gardens by its reputation, though, renowned for having the largest scientifically documented collections of orchids and bromeliads. But until she was contacted by an executive recruiter the thought of visiting, much less moving here, had never crossed her mind.
“I kind of had my head down, working away, and I was approached about this opportunity to be the president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens,” Rominiecki said. “I’d had no intention of relocating. I accepted the interview, came in person to Sarasota and when I got here, all I really saw was the opportunity and the potential of what this place could be.”…