The Morton Arboretum Promotes Two Key Executives

Promotions Coincide With Increased Activity, Interest In The Arboretum

LISLE, IL (May 4, 2006) – The Morton Arboretum has promoted two key administrators as the organization enjoys sustained growth, including 23 straight months of higher attendance, from broader programs, facilities, and services. Timothy Wolkober, Director of Finance and Operations, was named Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Nancy Peske was promoted from Human Resources Manager to Director of Human Resources.  With Arboretum operations expanding and serving greater numbers of visitors, the finance and human resources leadership roles have grown significantly. The promotions are in recognition of these increased responsibilities and critical management duties.

The Arboretum has recently undergone a multi-year, $45-million development plan to attract and engage larger audiences. Last September, the Arboretum opened an innovative, 4-acre Children’s Garden. This fun, inviting and safe garden allows children to learn through play, make connections to trees, and it sparks their curiosity about the natural world. Last May, the Arboretum opened its Maze Garden – a one-acre living puzzle of hedges with a half-mile of winding paths – that intrigues visitors of all ages.

Wolkober is a 17-year Arboretum veteran and a Certified Public Accountant.  He has overseen business and financial matters at the Arboretum throughout the institution’s recent construction projects and continuing growth initiatives.

Peske, who began with the Arboretum in 1999, is a certified Professional in Human Resources.  She has led the Arboretum through a period of active growth in staffing and other aspects of human resources administration, in order to meet the needs of the growing institution.

Wolkober and Peske will continue to report to Arboretum President and CEO, Dr. Gerard T. Donnelly.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of more than 3,700 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CDT) and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST). The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CDT) and 9:30 to 4 p.m. (CST). Visit www.mortonarb.org or call 630/968-0074 to learn more.

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