Sharon Moore, an experienced executive and fundraising professional who has helped usher positive change and exponential growth for Tennessee nonprofits for 25 years, will serve as executive director of the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum.

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (KBGA) is a 47-acre public garden located in East Knoxville, just two miles from the center of the city. The grounds are free and open to the public 365 days a year. The nonprofit maintains the property and is funded by the generosity of donors, members and guests.

“The history of the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum spans more than 200 years of family, flowers and friends,” said Matt Keaney, president of KBGA board of directors and vice president and senior relationship manager of FirstBank. “As we look to extend that legacy well into the future, we were impressed not only with Sharon’s nonprofit experience, but also with her vision and love for the garden. Her fundraising and development success speaks for itself, and she has a passion for KBGA that excites and inspires us.”

Executive Director Jim Richards recently retired after eight years at the helm, and Moore officially steps into the role on Sept. 25.

“We are indebted to Jim,” Keaney said. “KBGA benefited from his leadership, expertise in horticulture, civic background and love for the outdoors. During Jim’s eight-year tenure, he was instrumental in broadening our community reach; adding several permanent gardens to the grounds, including the iconic Secret Garden – financially the largest project completed on the property to date; initiating an internship program with the University of Tennessee School of Landscape Architecture; and making the KBGA a regional special event destination with the addition of the beautiful Dogwood Center. Jim’s legacy will long be remembered. Thank you, Jim.”

Moore was selected to succeed Richards after a consultant and KGBA committee completed a comprehensive nationwide search for the new director.

“It is a great honor to have been chosen to steward Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum through its next phase of development and success,” Moore said. “KBGA is a remarkable community treasure, and I look forward to working hand in hand with the passionate board of directors and dedicated staff to ensure the garden’s impact on the community continues to grow and to keep it protected and thriving for future generations.”

Since 2021, Moore has served as director of advancement at East Tennessee Foundation. She led the planned giving program and served as a member of the executive leadership team, directly supervising the advancement team and leading strategic direction and priorities.

Prior to that role, Moore spent 12 years at Zoo Knoxville, first as director of development and then chief development officer. As campaign director for “Dream Wilder,” she led all phases of a $30 million capital campaign, ultimately raising more than $37 million. She also was responsible for 175 percent growth in contributed annual operating revenue over six years inclusive of conceiving and launching the Circle of Friends donor society and overseeing Zoofari, a gala event exceeding $1 million raised annually.

Moore previously served as chief development and marketing officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee.

For more information about the KBGA, including details on visiting the grounds or making a donation, visit knoxgarden.org.