It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Vogt, the esteemed Chief Executive Officer of Denver Botanic Gardens, who led the institution with exceptional vision and dedication from April 2007 until his untimely death on March 23, 2025. Under Brian’s leadership, the Denver Botanic Gardens grew into a symbol of excellence in education, conservation, and community engagement. His passing marks the end of an era for the Gardens, but his legacy will live on through the enduring impact he made on the organization and the community it serves.
Brian’s visionary leadership transformed the Gardens into a world-class institution that is now recognized as one of the most respected botanical gardens in the country. When he took the reins in 2007, the Gardens were already a beloved institution, but it was Brian’s foresight and dedication that propelled it into a new era of growth and innovation. Under his guidance, annual attendance at the Gardens surpassed 1.3 million visitors, a testament to the institution’s growing reach and influence. The Gardens became a hub for not only garden enthusiasts but also for those seeking to learn more about sustainable practices, plant conservation, and the intersection of art and nature. Through Brian’s leadership, the Gardens became a sanctuary for people of all ages and backgrounds, providing a space to connect with nature and learn about its importance in our world.
One of Brian’s most significant contributions was his commitment to addressing urban food access and environmental sustainability. He championed programs that focused on integrating sustainable gardening practices into the urban landscape, making the Gardens not only a place for enjoyment but also an educational center for fostering a deeper understanding of how our environment and our food systems are interconnected. His efforts to promote sustainability went beyond just the Gardens themselves. He advocated for urban farming initiatives and supported local food access programs, ensuring that the community at large benefited from the work being done at the Gardens.
Additionally, Brian’s focus on diversity and inclusion was a hallmark of his leadership. He believed that the Gardens should be a place for all people, regardless of background, and worked tirelessly to make the institution more inclusive in every way. His approach to inclusion was not just about reaching different demographics but also about creating programs and experiences that reflected the diverse needs and interests of the community. Under his leadership, the Gardens became a place where people from all walks of life felt welcome, respected, and valued. Brian’s commitment to diversity was evident not only in the programming but also in the people he hired. He ensured that the staff at Denver Botanic Gardens reflected the diversity of the community it served, making it a place that was truly representative of the city of Denver.
Brian’s love for the arts was another driving force behind his leadership. He understood the profound connection between art and nature and worked to bring that vision to life by curating exhibitions that showcased renowned artists such as Henry Moore, Dale Chihuly, and Alexander Calder. These exhibitions seamlessly blended art and nature, creating an environment where visitors could experience the beauty of both in a single, transformative space. His ability to merge these two worlds was a testament to his creativity and vision. Through his efforts, the Gardens became more than just a place to view plants and flowers; it became a place to experience art in nature, making it a truly unique destination.
One of Brian’s crowning achievements was the completion of the $40 million Freyer – Newman Center in 2020. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to his vision for the future of the Gardens. The Center houses the Gardens’ education and research programs, providing a space for learning and discovery that will serve future generations. The Freyer – Newman Center is not only a physical symbol of Brian’s legacy but also a reflection of his commitment to ensuring that the Gardens remained a vibrant and relevant institution in the ever-changing landscape of environmental education and conservation.
Throughout his career, Brian was known for his optimism and unwavering dedication to public service. Prior to his tenure at Denver Botanic Gardens, he held three cabinet-level positions for the State of Colorado, where he worked on a variety of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents across the state. His public service career also included serving as President of the South Metro Chamber of Commerce, where he worked to foster collaboration between businesses and the community. These experiences helped shape his leadership style, bringing a broad perspective to his role at the Gardens and making him a visionary leader in both the public and private sectors.
Beyond his professional achievements, Brian was known for his warmth, kindness, and generosity. He was a mentor to many, and his impact extended far beyond the walls of Denver Botanic Gardens. His friends, colleagues, and community members all speak of his genuine interest in the lives of others and his deep commitment to making the world a better place. He was a man who not only led by example but also took the time to invest in others, helping to nurture the next generation of leaders and inspiring those around him to reach their full potential. Brian’s legacy will live on through the countless individuals whose lives he touched and who continue to carry his lessons forward.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, the Board of Trustees of Denver Botanic Gardens has appointed Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd, the Director of Marketing and Social Responsibility, as the interim CEO. The Gardens is committed to honoring Brian’s vision and ensuring that the work he started continues to thrive. While it will undoubtedly be difficult to fill the shoes of such an extraordinary leader, the Board is confident that Jennifer’s leadership will ensure the Gardens’ continued success and that Brian’s legacy will continue to flourish.
Brian’s family, friends, and colleagues are left to mourn the loss of a visionary leader who dedicated his life to making the world a better place. His passion, commitment, and optimism will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege of knowing him. As we remember Brian, we are reminded of the importance of visionary leadership, compassion, and the power of community. Brian’s life and work are a testament to what is possible when one person commits themselves to creating positive change. His legacy will continue to live on in the Gardens, in the hearts of all those who knew him, and in the many lives he touched.
