Introducing an Expanded Leadership Team at Bartram’s Garden

As Bartram’s Garden prepares for its next chapter of growth and for celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Garden’s founding in 2028, the John Bartram Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce an expanded leadership team to help guide the organization into its fourth century. 

Effective October 1, four current JBA leaders will join Executive Director Maitreyi Roy as members of a new Executive Team: 

• Cedric Hardy, Chief Campus & Operations Officer  

• Annemarie Vaeni, Senior Director of Finance & Administration  

• Sonjii West, Senior Director of Human Resources  

• Caroline Winschel, Chief Advancement & Experience Officer  

“Over the last fifteen years, Bartram’s Garden has grown in ways we could only have imagined—in our programs, our staff, our reach, and the ways people use and experience this extraordinary place,” said Executive Director Maitreyi Roy. “This expanded leadership team builds on that strength and prepares us for an equally ambitious next chapter. I’m tremendously excited to work with this team, and especially proud that we are growing our leadership from within. Cedric, Annemarie, Sonjii, and Caroline know this place, believe deeply in our mission, and have each helped shape the organization we are today. Together, we will be ready for everything ahead—from welcoming more visitors and making major investments in the Garden to celebrating our 300th anniversary and beginning our fourth century.” 

Larry Jones, President of the JBA Board of Directors, added, “The Board has terrific confidence in Maitreyi and in the leadership team that has grown around her. As Bartram’s Garden enters a period of tremendous opportunity, we believe this is exactly the right moment to invest in the talented people who will help lead its next chapter. We are especially proud that these four leaders have grown within JBA and are now stepping into broader roles as the Garden approaches its 300th anniversary.” 

The expanded Executive Team reflects JBA’s continued evolution as both a legendary landscape and a vibrant public park serving Southwest Philadelphia and the region. Together, the team will help guide the organization through major campus investments, expanded public use, and the Garden’s 300th anniversary in 2028.