Our Staff
The Morton Arboretum's vibrant staff include 130 full-time, 114 part-time, and seasonal employees who work in areas such as plant collections and grounds, tree research, education, visitor services, and other administrative services. Employees come from diverse backgrounds but have in common a commitment to the mission of the Arboretum: to plant and conserve trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, more beautiful world.
The vision of The Morton Arboretum is to be the leading center of tree expertise, inspiring the world to plant and protect trees. The management team strives to make that vision a reality by leading staff to achieve three essential goals: advance the planting and conservation of trees, attract larger audiences and engage them in the mission, and raise and earn significantly greater financial support.
Management representatives by area of responsibility:
Gerard T. Donnelly, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Kris Bachtell, M.S.
Vice President of Collections and Facilities
Donna Biernadski, M.S.
Vice President of Marketing
Director of Visitor Programs
Jill Koski, C.F.R.E.
Vice President of Development
Nancy Peske, P.H.R.
Director of Human Resources
Vice President of Education and Information
Gary Watson, Ph.D.
Head of Research
Timothy Wolkober, C.P.A.
Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer