Yew Dell Botanical Gardens Announces Retirement of Executive Director Paul Cappiello

Press Release By Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

Cappiello has led Yew Dell for more than two decades

After more than two decades of transformative leadership, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens announces the retirement of Executive Director Dr. Paul Cappiello. Cappiello will retire in early 2027, with his departure following the selection and successful transition of his successor.

For 24 years, Cappiello has helped shape Yew Dell into one of the region’s most distinctive botanical gardens and a nationally recognized destination for horticulture, education and community engagement. His vision, passion and curiosity have touched nearly every aspect of Yew Dell, from its gardens to its programs, partnerships and growing community of supporters.

“A uniquely dedicated board, visionary donors, some of the most talented staff on the planet, committed volunteers, and a whole community of supporters have come together over the last 24 years to create pure magic,” said Paul Cappiello, Executive Director, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. “You have all made my leadership the experience of a lifetime. I can’t think of another place in the country that uses a green and garden lens so beautifully to create joy, inspire inquiry, and support physical and mental well-being. It has been my distinct pleasure to serve Yew Dell Botanical Gardens and help build this extraordinary organization. I am deeply grateful to all who have shared in this journey and look forward to supporting Yew Dell’s next exciting chapter of growth.”

During his career, Cappiello has received numerous national and international honors for his contributions to horticulture, education, writing and plant exploration. He was named the 2013 recipient of the American Horticultural Society’s Liberty Hyde Bailey Award, the organization’s highest honor, and received the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Award of Excellence in 2015. In 2017, he received the Award of Merit from the International Plant Propagators’ Society Eastern Region, its highest honor. He was also recognized as a 2023 Louisville Business First Nonprofit Visionary Leader.

Cappiello has authored more than 600 publications spanning newspapers, popular garden publications and academic journals and has been recognized nationally and internationally for his writing, teaching, public speaking and research. His work has also included consulting with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute at the University of Louisville on the Greenprint Initiative in downtown Louisville.

At Yew Dell, Cappiello has helped lead the organization through significant growth in its gardens, horticultural collections, educational offerings, community programs and national reputation. Under his leadership, Yew Dell has continued to build on the legacy of founders Theodore and Martha Lee Klein while developing its own distinctive identity as a place where serious horticulture, accessible science, creativity and inspiration come together.

“Paul Capiello has become inextricably linked with Yew Dell,” said Robert Nunnelley, Board President, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. “His leadership, passion and vision have had a profound impact in shaping this remarkable place and has touched every aspect of Yew Dell. We cannot express our gratitude enough for all he has given to this organization and especially for positioning Yew Dell for an amazing future. We are excited to build on such a strong foundation established by a vision from the Kleins and expanded with tremendous advancement from Paul.”

Yew Dell remains steadfast in its mission to spark a passion for plants and gardening through accessible science and inspiring beauty. The board is conducting a search for Cappiello’s successor and is committed to finding the right leader to build on Yew Dell’s strong foundation and guide the organization into its next chapter. Cappiello will work closely with his successor to ensure a thoughtful and successful transition.

“Paul leaves Yew Dell with an extraordinary mark on its legacy and, just as importantly, he has situated Yew Dell with tremendous momentum to move its’ mission forward.” said Nunnelley.

Cappiello’s contributions will be celebrated at a retirement gathering at Yew Dell in November. Details about Yew Dell’s leadership transition and future plans will be announced in the coming months.

ABOUT YEW DELL BOTANICAL GARDENS

Located just outside of Louisville in Crestwood, Kentucky, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is a nationally recognized center for horticulture, education and research. What began as the private estate of plant enthusiasts Theodore and Martha Lee Klein, along with their family, is now a thriving public garden, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and open year-round for exploration and inspiration. Yew Dell offers beautifully curated gardens, a diverse lineup of educational programs and workshops, family-friendly events and ongoing plant research initiatives. As a nonprofit organization, Yew Dell’s mission is to spark a passion for plants and gardening through accessible science and inspiring beauty. Learn more, become a member, or support the mission at yewdellgardens.org.