Allyson Whalley
Fredericksburg,VA
Summary
Engaging horticulturist with 20 years of experience constructing, maintaining, and managing landscapes newly built and historic. Thrives in a dynamic and collaborative environment where teamwork is heralded and individuality is appreciated. Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Equally comfortable dressing for the field or office, in either setting, Felco's and garden gloves are must have accessories.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Buildings, Gardens & Grounds
Tudor Place Historic House And Garden
Washington, DC
06.2020 - Current
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth. Enhance team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Grew and restructured the BGG positions to improve efficiency and meet departmental standards for the care and preservation of the buildings and landscape.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas. Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Prepare and oversee two budgets; prepare quarterly reports for Executive Committee. Manage budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources exhibiting fiscal responsibility.
- Oversee stewardship of historic preservation easement with the Department of Interior using DOI Standards and Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties and Cultural Landscapes. Consult with NPS and DC DOF regarding care of the living and non-living collections.
- Using the Cultural Landscape Report and Historic Structures Report, developed short and long-term management plans for the care and preservation of both the living and non-living collections.
- Meet bi-annually with Gardens & Grounds and Buildings Advisory committees to assess current maintenance practices, projects, and concerns and build consensus for future projects and maintenance protocols.
- Liaised with architects, engineers, general contractors, staff, and stakeholders to complete the first phase of the Master Preservation Plan: Expansion of the Mower House to house a new backup generator. Currently working on Phase II: Education Center and Greenhouse.
- Represent the Buildings, Gardens & Grounds department at Neighborhood Liaison Committee meetings to address concerns and share information regarding site stewardship.
- Work collaboratively with all departments to support all events, including the annual Spring Garden Party, Education events and programs, Curatorial programs and special tours, donor cultivation events, weddings, private garden tours, etc.
- Work closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational policy and strategy. Serve on various teams to shape policy in support of the mission, including the Volunteer Management , Safety and Security, Accessibility and Inclusivity, and Sustainability.
- Manage site maintenance contracts and procure additional contracts as needed to care for the living and non-living collections.
Curator of Horticulture, Horticulturist
The Montpelier Foundation
07.2015 - 06.2020
- Directed horticultural stewardship through long-range planning for the care and development of the 2,600 acre landscape with consideration of the natural and cultural heritage of the site.
- Coached staff and volunteers to implement and exhibit exceptional horticultural standards and utilize environmentally conscious IPM and plant health care practices.
- Collaborated with Archaeology, Curatorial, Historic Preservation, and Education departments to research, develop, plan, construct, interpret and maintain restoration, preservation and reconstruction sites throughout the property.
- Developed educational programming to connect visitors to Montpelier's rich horticultural and natural history.
- Developed spending projections to achieve fiscal goals; procured and managed grant funding and administration.
- Oversaw conservation easements in agreement with the Nature Conservancy, Piedmont Environmental Council, and Department of Forestry to assure compliance with best management practices. Areas of particular concern include Emerald Ash Borer and invasive species management.
- Oversaw collection planning and management of woody and herbaceous plants. Collaborated with Curatorial department to accession and maintain statuary and hardscape features within horticultural purview.
Horticulturist
San Diego Zoo
04.2013 - 05.2015
- In collaboration with Animal Care staff developed and maintained 15 acres of mixed use spaces including animal exhibits and public areas to the exacting standards of San Diego Zoo Global.
- Worked with Plant Collections staff to inventory, document and care for the accredited plant collections including orchids, cycads, palms, ficus, bamboo, and Erythrina.
- Worked on the IPM team to ensure compliance with California pesticide application regulations and to monitor and control pests and invasive species.
- Designed and assisted in the fabrication of the Annual San Diego Zoo/ San Diego Safari Park Chili Cookoff trophy which is still used today.
Acting Curator of Horticulture, Horticulturist
The Virginia Zoo
03.2004 - 04.2013
- Directed daily horticultural operations of a nine-person team to ensure achievement of the "Disney" standard for all stakeholders including the City Manager, Executive Director, Animal Services staff, and visitors for the 35 acre site.
- Developed and managed a $125,000 annual operating budget.
- Oversaw the contractual management and daily operations of environmental sanitation staff.
- Acted as the horticultural liaison between City of Norfolk officials and contractors for capital construction projects.
- Designed and maintained habitats and ornamental landscaping including irrigation, security, and all building systems.
- Actively participated in policy development and implementation of the dangerous animal response team and safety committee.
- Performed quarterly employee performance evaluations with emphasis on employee driven goal setting and development.
- Successfully competed in Sky Art, an exhibition to raise awareness of endangered plants and animals in their natural habitats.
- Worked collaboratively with Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Elizabeth River project to secure grant funding and restore wetlands and oyster habitat along two miles of shoreline.
- Presented at the AZH annual conference results of conservation work.
- Implemented conservation practices to reduce runoff, conserve water, and manage landscapes responsibly.
- Oversaw the production of an average of 20,000 annual plants in both hot house and cold frame environments, which included the operation and maintenance of the HVAC system.
Education
Urban Landscape Architecture
City College of New York of The City University of New York
New York, NYAssociate of Science - Horticulture
Farmingdale State University
2001
Skills
- UVA/ Monticello Historic Landscape Institute
- USA-NPN Certified Local Phenology Leader
- Blanchard's Situational Leadership
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
- Technical knowledge
- Operations Management
- Staff Development
- People Management
Affiliations
American Public Garden Association
USA National Phenology Network
Piedmont Landscape Association
Ecological Landscape Alliance
Potomac Rose Society, Board of Directors 2021-Present
Historic Iris Preservation Society, Board of Directors 2020- Present
Association of Zoological Horticulture, Vice President 2013-2015
AZH Board of Directors, 2009-2015
Virginia Horticultural Foundation, Board of Directors, 2011-2013
Timeline
Director of Buildings, Gardens & Grounds
Tudor Place Historic House And Garden
06.2020 - Current
Curator of Horticulture, Horticulturist
The Montpelier Foundation
07.2015 - 06.2020
Horticulturist
San Diego Zoo
04.2013 - 05.2015
Acting Curator of Horticulture, Horticulturist
The Virginia Zoo
03.2004 - 04.2013
Urban Landscape Architecture
City College of New York of The City University of New York
Associate of Science - Horticulture
Farmingdale State University