DENVER, CO – The Denver Botanic Gardens Mourns the Loss of Visionary CEO Brian Vogt: A Legacy of Beauty, Healing, and Community Connection

DENVER, CO – The Denver Botanic Gardens community is devastated by the loss of its visionary leader, CEO Brian Vogt, who passed away after leading the Gardens for 17 transformative years. Under Vogt’s leadership, the Gardens blossomed into a beacon of education, inspiration, and healing for individuals from all walks of life. His passion, dedication, and ability to forge meaningful connections within the community forever changed the face of the institution, making it a vital resource for the city of Denver and beyond.

Brian Vogt, who took the helm as CEO in 2007, was a beloved figure in Denver’s cultural scene. Known for his remarkable vision, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Vogt transformed the Denver Botanic Gardens into a flourishing sanctuary for nature lovers, educators, and visitors seeking solace and beauty. His work at the Gardens touched countless lives, and his absence is keenly felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, working with him, or experiencing the impact of his leadership.

Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis, a close friend of Brian Vogt and former board chair, reflected on his contributions, saying, “Brian’s most significant accomplishment was creating a garden that was for all people. His leadership was not just about cultivating the land, but about cultivating a sense of belonging, care, and community within it. His vision for the Gardens was deeply rooted in the belief that nature has the power to heal and bring people together.”

Mary Lee Ott, Chair of the Board of Trustees, echoed this sentiment in her statement, praising Vogt’s lasting influence on the Denver Botanic Gardens and the broader community. “Brian’s commitment to the Gardens was profound and encouraging. His leadership wasn’t just about achieving financial goals or expanding physical spaces—it was about enriching lives, creating experiences, and fostering an environment where people felt connected to nature and to each other. His impact on the Gardens was deep and enduring, shaping its growth and beauty for nearly two decades.”

Vogt’s leadership at the Denver Botanic Gardens was marked by an unyielding drive to ensure that the institution would thrive not only for the present generation but for those yet to come. He worked tirelessly to build and enhance the Gardens as a cultural institution that could serve as a resource for learning, relaxation, and healing, recognizing the importance of creating a space that welcomed everyone, regardless of their background or means.

Deborah Jordy, Executive Director of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), also shared her admiration for Vogt’s visionary leadership. “Brian was one of the true visionary leaders in our community. His approach to the Denver Botanic Gardens was nothing short of transformative. He took a beloved local gem and elevated it to national prominence. Brian’s kindness, optimism, and relentless commitment to the Gardens were the driving forces behind its success. His passing is a tremendous loss to the community, but his legacy will continue to shape the Gardens for many years to come.”

Jordy went on to describe Vogt as a leader who was able to make profound, lasting change without ever seeking the spotlight. “Brian was quietly but steadily creating a legacy of grace, beauty, and connection. His influence is woven into the fabric of the Gardens, and while we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary impact he had. He leaves us with a gift—a place where people can come together, learn, and find solace.”

As the Gardens’ community comes to terms with the loss of its leader, the Board of Trustees has announced that Jenifer Riley-Chetwynd, the Gardens’ Director of Marketing and Social Responsibility, will step into the role of CEO. Riley-Chetwynd, who has worked closely with Vogt for many years, expressed her commitment to continuing his work and ensuring that the Gardens remains a place of excellence and inspiration for generations to come.

“Brian will be profoundly missed,” Riley-Chetwynd said in a statement. “I am honored to carry forward his vision and continue the work he started. The Gardens are not just a place to admire beautiful plants; they are a place where people come to grow, to heal, and to connect. Our leadership is committed to maintaining the standard of excellence Brian established, and we will work in partnership with the Board and the entire Gardens team to ensure that his legacy continues to thrive.”

The loss of Brian Vogt is felt deeply across the Denver Botanic Gardens and beyond. In addition to his transformative work at the Gardens, Vogt’s leadership and philanthropic efforts touched numerous cultural and environmental initiatives throughout Denver and the surrounding region. His commitment to environmental stewardship, education, and community engagement extended far beyond the borders of the Gardens, inspiring individuals and organizations alike to prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and social responsibility.

Vogt’s remarkable legacy will live on through the gardens, programs, and initiatives he established during his tenure as CEO. The Gardens’ dedication to its mission—providing an accessible, sustainable, and educational environment for all—remains unwavering, and as Riley-Chetwynd noted, the future of the institution will honor Vogt’s vision while building upon the strong foundation he laid.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Vogt was known for his personal warmth, humility, and deep compassion. He formed lasting relationships with colleagues, donors, volunteers, and visitors, and his leadership style was characterized by a quiet strength that inspired others to follow his example. Many within the Gardens community, from the staff to the Board of Trustees, describe him as a mentor and friend who led with integrity and a genuine desire to make the world a better place for everyone.

Vogt’s impact was felt most acutely in his ability to bring people together through shared experiences and a love of nature. Whether through educational programs, special events, or the creation of new garden spaces, Vogt worked tirelessly to ensure that the Gardens were a place of connection and growth for people of all ages and backgrounds.

One of Vogt’s most enduring legacies is the expansion of the Gardens’ educational programs, which have grown to serve thousands of students, educators, and families each year. His commitment to lifelong learning and his belief in the power of nature to inspire and teach were foundational to the success of these programs. Under his leadership, the Gardens became a hub for environmental education, offering workshops, tours, and hands-on activities that introduced visitors to the wonders of the natural world.

In addition to his work on education, Vogt was instrumental in expanding the Gardens’ physical footprint. Under his direction, the Gardens saw the completion of several major projects, including the development of the Mordecai Children’s Garden, the construction of the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center, and the creation of the stunning Water Garden. Each of these additions to the Gardens was designed with the community in mind, offering visitors a space to explore, learn, and connect with nature in new and meaningful ways.

Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of Brian Vogt’s leadership was his deep commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. He believed that the Gardens should be a space where everyone could feel welcome, regardless of their background, income level, or experience with nature. During his time as CEO, Vogt implemented numerous initiatives aimed at making the Gardens more accessible to underserved communities. Whether through free admission days, scholarships for educational programs, or partnerships with local schools and community organizations, Vogt worked to ensure that the Gardens were a resource for all.

The Denver Botanic Gardens has long been a place of solace and healing for many, and this was something Vogt championed throughout his career. His commitment to the therapeutic power of nature and his belief in its ability to bring people together in times of need was exemplified in the creation of spaces like the Japanese Garden and the Healing Garden. These serene spaces were designed to provide visitors with a place of refuge, reflection, and renewal—an oasis in the heart of the city.

As the Denver Botanic Gardens moves forward in the wake of Vogt’s passing, his legacy remains strong. The Gardens will continue to be a place where people can connect with nature, learn, grow, and find inspiration. Under the leadership of Jenifer Riley-Chetwynd, the institution will build upon the foundation Vogt laid, ensuring that the Gardens remain a vibrant, welcoming, and transformative space for generations to come.

In remembering Brian Vogt, the Denver Botanic Gardens community honors a leader whose vision, compassion, and commitment to the betterment of all lives will never be forgotten. His work will continue to bloom, and his spirit will live on in the Gardens he so dearly loved.