Mary Bringer, the CEO and president of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society in East Dallas, has announced that she will retire after 27 years of meritorious service to the organization.
Bringer, who turned 75 on October 11, devoted her career to improving the lives of the Dallas community and visitors. She has made significant changes of more than $100 million to the garden and has helped it gain recognition as one of the world’s most beautiful gardens.
The news of her retirement follows shortly after allegations surfaced of LGBTQ discrimination by former workers at the Arboretum and an announcement by the directorate to reshuffle the organization’s employment conditions.
However, on Tuesday, Bringer stressed that the allegations were not the reason for her retirement.
In its official announcement, the Dallas-based garden pointed out that Bringer will step away from the organization “in the coming year,” though she will still be effective until a new president is named. The announcement also stated that the Arboretum would create a committee to begin a search for a new president.
In Bringer’s resignation letter to Dallas Arboretum Chairman Jim Ryan, she stated that preparation for her retirement began about two years ago. Her retirement, she said, will create time for her to “unload” her duties and ensure that all the departments are in good hands.
“It is key that the garden maintains its credibility,” Bringer said.
Ryan said Bringer remained in Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden even during the pandemic and its financial crises, all the while building her team and gathering support for her successor. He further expressed appreciation for her commitment and wholehearted dedication to the garden and its community.
While Bringer was president, the Arboretum developed 60% of its property, revamped the original gardens, and commenced research programs. New structures such as Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, The Trammell Crow Visitor Education Pavilion, and the complex venue, A Tasteful Place, were constructed.
The Dallas Arboretum, under Bringer’s leadership, has produced 45,000 memberships with more than a million visitors per year. Popular features visitors enjoy most include the pumpkin village and the garden showcase, “12 Days of Christmas.”
Bringer received several awards, including the SMU Distinguished Alumni award, and was named the Junior League Sustainer of the Year, an honorary member of the American Association of Architects in Dallas, and a Hall of Fame Awardee from Woodrow Wilson High School.
