City 2-7-18
Shane Smith, Director of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, has announced his plans to retire as of March 2, 2018. At the time of retirement, Smith will have served as the Director of the Gardens for over 40 years. The first nine years Smith was head of the Botanic Gardens when the offices were located east of Cheyenne and operated as a non-profit. Over the last 31 years, Smith was the Director under City operation.
Smith is the founding director of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. He has also been instrumental in the opening of the Paul Smith Children’s Village in 2009 and the new Grand Conservatory in 2017.
“One can’t think of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and not think of Shane Smith. I’ve never known a more dedicated and driven individual, and his retirement is well deserved,” stated City of Cheyenne Mayor, Marian Orr. “Thankfully, he won’t be going far. Our community is better because of Shane. I wish he and Paige all the best in their new chapter.”
Smith plans to continue his involvement with the Gardens in a volunteer position as Executive Director of the Friends of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens foundation.
“It has been an honor to be a part of growing this project and to get to work with incredible staff members and volunteers over the years. The people of Cheyenne’s generosity, both in the gift of their time and in providing funding, has been the key to our success. Cheyenne is an amazing town with a ‘can-do’ attitude. I look forward to assisting with this transition and focusing more on fundraising and the workings of the non-profit side of the Gardens in partnership with the City. I also look forward to having more free time and getting my hands dirty as a volunteer,” said Smith.
To wish Smith well, a retirement open house is scheduled at the new Grand Conservatory on Saturday, February 24 from 3-5 p.m.
Mayor Orr has named Tina Worthman as Interim Director of the Botanic Gardens upon Smith’s retirement.
