Longwood Gardens Appoints New Director of Longwood Fellows Program

Press Release

KENNETT SQUARE, PA— Longwood Gardens today announced the appointment of Anastasia Sallen as Director of the Longwood Fellows Program, a globally recognized, year-long residential leadership accelerator designed to prepare high-potential professionals for leadership roles at public gardens, both in the United States and abroad.

Sallen, a member of the 2024-2025 Fellows cohort, brings first-hand knowledge and a deep understanding of the program’s transformative impact. During her time as a Longwood Fellow, Anastasia completed a field placement at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and worked closely with Longwood’s Engagement & Learning team, contributing to the refresh of the Professional Horticulture program. Her global perspective on garden education, community building, impact, and engagement has been shaped by dialogues with garden leaders in the United States, England, Singapore, and Australia.

Sallen previously served as Associate Vice President for Education at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida, where she oversaw educational programming across two campuses. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from New College of Florida and a Master of Arts in education and globalization from the University of Oulu in Finland.

“With Anastasia’s background in public gardens, her commitment to garden education, and her experience as a Fellow, she is well positioned to lead this next chapter of the Fellows Program,” said Kay Chubbuck, Longwood Gardens’ Vice President of Engagement and Learning. “We are thrilled to welcome her into this role.”

“I am honored to be selected as the new Director of the Longwood Fellows Program,” said Sallen. “Longwood has a distinguished history of preparing public garden professionals for leadership positions in horticultural institutions around the globe. I look forward to ensuring the Fellows Program continues to meet the evolving needs of our Fellows and of public gardens.”

Applications are now available for the 2026-2027 Longwood Gardens Fellows Program, a fully funded, cohort-based residency that prepares public garden professionals to lead thriving organizations. Over the course of a year, Fellows explore contemporary horticulture challenges related to leadership, organizational dynamics, board relations and governance, leadership communications, and business management. A two-month field placement provides deeper insights into these issues, empowering Fellows to lead organizations into a vibrant and sustainable future. Alumni of the Fellows Program join the prestigious Society of Fellows, a global network of public garden professionals.

The program is open to global professionals who aspire to lead in a public garden environment. Masters and doctoral candidates, as well as those who are transitioning between careers, are welcome to apply.

For more information and to apply, visit longwoodgardens.org/fellows-program. Applications are due July 31.

Public garden professionals may also nominate individuals who have a commitment to professional excellence, have a deep intellectual curiosity, and have an interest in representing diverse perspectives and backgrounds for admission to the Program. Nominations can be submitted online at longwoodgardens.org/longwood-fellows-nomination.  

About Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens is one of the great gardens of the world, encompassing 1,100 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and grand conservatories. Longwood continues the mission set forth by founder Pierre S. du Pont to bring joy and inspiration to all through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. As part of its commitment to conservation, in 2024 Longwood acquired the 505-acre Longwood at Granogue, a cultural landscape in nearby Wilmington, Delaware. Longwood’s foremost influence on American horticulture has been through its education programs, in keeping with Mr. du Pont’s desire to establish “a school where students and others may receive instruction in the arts of horticulture and floriculture.” Since 1958, thousands of students from all over the world have participated in one or more of Longwood’s intensive programs, ranging from School & Youth Programs, which educates 45,000 students both online and in person each year, to the two-year Professional Horticulture Program to the Longwood Fellows Program. Graduates have gone on to leadership roles in many of the country’s top horticultural institutions. For more information, visit longwoodgardens.org.