Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) announced on Monday that Sara Stevenson has been named executive director, effective Jan. 12. She currently serves as the executive director of the Awbury Arboretum.

With more than 15 years of leadership in public gardens, conservation, and nonprofit management, Stevenson brings a track record of strategic growth, fundraising, partnership development, and community engagement that builds on FOW’s strengths and aligns with its vision for the future, FOW said in a news release.

“We are excited for the nonprofit leadership experience, as well as the energy, enthusiasm, and joyful perspective that Sara will bring to FOW,” said Garrett Trego, FOW’s board president.

During her three years at Awbury Arboretum, Stevenson guided a $1.2 million operating budget and drove the creation and launch of a new mission, vision, and 2025–2028 strategic plan, and expanded earned revenue and donor engagement. Under her guidance, Awbury secured more than $1 million in grants.

Stevenson also oversaw major infrastructure and historic-preservation projects, strengthened partnerships with city agencies, universities, and nonprofits, and expanded volunteer engagement while modernizing internal systems, FOW said.

Stevenson earned a bachelor’s degree in Classics from Colorado College and a master’s degree in Latin from the University of Washington. After teaching high school Latin for four years, her love of gardening led her to work at an organic landscaping company and an education internship at Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania, which inspired a career change. Stevenson went on to earn a master’s in Public Garden Management through a joint program with the University of Delaware and Longwood Gardens.

“I come from a place of deep understanding, reverence, and responsibility for the magic of the Wissahickon and the scale of its impact on the region,” said Stevenson, a native Philadelphian who considers the park a second home for her and her family. “With its well-established team, superb reputation, and powerful legacy, FOW has done a model job of stewardship, and I’m excited to build on this work using my skills in strategic planning, fundraising, and community engagement for public green spaces.”