Ari Novy, Ph.D., president and CEO of San Diego Botanic Garden and adjunct associate professor at the Salk Institute, has been named the Elizabeth Newman Wilds Executive Director of Cornell Botanic Gardens. He begins his appointment on March 1, 2026. In this role, he will serve as the unit’s chief officer for planning, operations, fundraising, and public engagement. 

As a living museum, Cornell Botanic Gardens’ cultivated gardens, arboretum, and natural areas serve as outdoor classrooms for instruction across Cornell University’s colleges and host research that seeks to address some of the world’s most pressing problems. It is the most visited cultural attraction in Tompkins County, hosting 1.3 million visitors a year across gardens, natural areas, and trails.

Novy succeeds Christopher Dunn, who retired in 2025 after 11 years as executive director of Cornell Botanic Gardens. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Ari Novy to Cornell as the next director of Cornell Botanic Gardens,” said Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). “His visionary leadership, deep commitment to plant science, and dedication to public engagement will elevate the gardens’ role as a living laboratory and an essential partner in CALS’ mission to shape a more sustainable future for people and planet.”

Novy, a botanist and ecologist, previously led San Diego Botanic Gardens during seven formative years. As its CEO, he tripled budget and staff, professionalized operations, and launched a dedicated science program focused on Southwestern botany, food plant conservation, and medicinal plants. 

“I’m excited to be at a garden associated with a research university that leads the world in plant science research and practice,” Novy said. “There are so many opportunities to collaborate with departments and schools across campus. I look forward to continuing the process of integrating the botanic gardens into every aspect of academic life.” 

The science programs Novy founded at San Diego Botanic Gardens collaborate extensively with Indigenous communities to conserve  cultural and practical plant knowledge, particularly relating to medicinal and other culturally valuable plants. The program’s stakeholder-driven approach helped it attract more than $6 million in grant funding. 

“I look forward to continuing the trajectory of including Indigenous voices, of making sure we are doing the work of conserving plants and educating people in a way that respects the biocultural values of all knowledge holders,” Novy said. 

As part of his work as a scientist and public garden leader, Novy prioritizes plant science communication. He has served as a plant science consultant on projects such as Netflix’s The Magic School Bus; TNT’s The Last Ship; and Disney Animation Studio’s Strange World, as well as other projects for Marvel Studios and PBS Kids.

Novy holds a Ph.D. in plant biology from Rutgers University and a BA in Italian Literature from NYU. He is an active scientist with dozens of peer-reviewed research papers, book chapters, and academic and industry presentations spanning botany, ecology, and plant and ecosystem conservation. 

“The next 50 years will be a gauntlet for plant extinction. The work of Cornell Botanic Gardens is critical to conserving plant species as conditions become more difficult for plants in the wild,” he said. “We must continue to build comprehensive models on how best to preserve plants that are based on empirical science, deeply respectful of cultural values, and sharable across the world.” 

Prior to joining San Diego Botanic Gardens, Novy headed the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations of our national botanic garden and its 70 federal employees, he completed restoration of historic Bartholdi Park as a sustainable landscape demonstration and re-established overseas plant exploration after a 150-year hiatus. 

He actively contributes to numerous horticulture and conservation science organizations, including Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Green Legacy Hiroshima, the Garden Club of America, and the American Public Gardens Association, where he is a board member and chair of the Advocacy Committee. 

“I have had the pleasure of working with Ari extensively since becoming CEO of the American Public Gardens Association,” said Michelle Provaznik, CEO of the organization. “His knowledge, commitment, and passion for public horticulture will be a tremendous asset to Cornell Botanic Gardens as it moves into the future.”