Selby Gardens Promotes Walter Gilbert

July 8, 2022 – Sarasota

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has promoted Walter Gilbert to the position of Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion. In his expanded role, Gilbert will guide Selby Gardens’ pursuit of diversity and inclusion goals, including further diversifying its workforce and improving organizational inclusivity. He took on this new role effective July 1.

“Fostering diversity and inclusion is a pillar of our strategic plan, and Walter is a pillar of our community,” said Jennifer O. Rominiecki, president and CEO of Selby Gardens. “Through the external partnerships and internal collaborations Walter is forging, we are cultivating a culture of inclusivity at Selby Gardens while helping to lead our region forward in this vital area.”

Gilbert joined Selby Gardens in 2020 as diversity and inclusion manager, and he was appointed senior director of diversity and inclusion in 2021. Selby Gardens created a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force in 2019 to ensure that diversity and inclusive thinking are front and center at the organization. “The ultimate goal is ensuring that all in our community—regardless of their race, age, ability, sex, sexual orientation, religion, or financial status—see Selby Gardens as a place where they are welcome,” said Rominiecki.

Gilbert’s responsibilities will include supporting strategies to attract and welcome diverse employees, developing inclusion initiatives, overseeing Selby Gardens’ established community engagement series, and creating and implementing effective new community outreach. To learn more about Selby Gardens’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, go online to selby.org/diversity.