Selby Gardens’ CEO Leads the Attraction to National Recognition

Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, has led a transformative journey since her arrival a decade ago. Aiming to elevate this cherished Sarasota venue into a global masterpiece, she focuses on securing the nonprofit’s future.

This vision is manifesting through a three-phase project at Selby’s 15-acre downtown campus, adjacent to Sarasota Bay. Phase one, a $51 million endeavor, is now complete, while phase two, estimated at $60.9 million, is set to commence by late 2025. This phase will introduce a conservatory that boasts one of the most diverse and scientifically documented collections of orchids and bromeliads worldwide.

Before joining Selby, Rominiecki accumulated nearly 20 years of experience at prestigious institutions like the New York Botanical Garden and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Her time at the New York Botanical Garden included a significant role in a $479 million fundraising campaign.

Seeing potential for profound change at Selby, Rominiecki launched phase one, which opened in January 2024. This includes the Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF), a new restaurant, gift shop, and welcome center, alongside updated research and office spaces. The LEAF nearly doubled parking capacity and features a solar array, making Selby the world’s first net-positive energy botanical garden.

Navigating challenges to groundbreak was not straightforward. Rominiecki worked tirelessly to unite a community initially resistant to expansion, engaging in numerous discussions with diverse groups. Plans underwent several modifications based on community feedback.

In addition to infrastructure, Rominiecki has collaborated with museum curators to showcase international exhibits at Selby, featuring works by renowned artists like Marc Chagall and Andy Warhol, artfully displayed alongside exotic air plants.

Selby also trademarked “The Living Museum” to highlight its dynamic exhibits, which aim to encourage repeat visits. “We want to ensure visitors always have a reason to return,” she asserts, emphasizing the gardens’ commitment to providing unique experiences.

Under Rominiecki’s leadership, attendance has surged to 310,000 annual visitors, a remarkable achievement. Since its inception in 1973, when Marie Selby gifted her estate, the organization has seen substantial growth in assets and revenue.

In 2024, Time magazine recognized Selby as one of the world’s 100 greatest places, with additional mentions in USA Today as one of the best botanical gardens of 2025.

The Wall Street Journal celebrated the first phase of Selby’s transformation as a top architectural project of 2024, highlighting the innovative LEAF structure. “It incorporates a garden-to-plate restaurant, a new gift shop, vertical gardens, and a near 50,000-square-foot solar array,” the article noted.

Rominiecki’s efforts have earned her accolades; Visit Sarasota County named her the Voice of Sarasota last year. Uniquely, a newly discovered flowering plant species, Drymonia rominieckiae, was named in her honor, showcasing her impact on the botanical community.

Heather Kasten, President and CEO of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, praised Rominiecki, affirming her leadership arrives at a pivotal moment for Selby. “The impact Jennifer has had on Marie Selby Botanical Garden is absolutely unparalleled,” Kasten remarks.

John LaCivita, contractor for the expansion, echoed this sentiment, noting the unprecedented recognition Selby is receiving. Rominiecki is acknowledged for her consensus-building skills alongside her tenacity and commitment to fulfilling promises.