KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Longwood Gardens has announced the appointment of Anastasia Sallen as the new Director of the Longwood Fellows Program, a prestigious, year-long leadership development initiative that prepares professionals for high-level roles in public gardens worldwide.
Sallen, a current member of the 2024-2025 Fellows cohort, brings a unique perspective and in-depth knowledge of the program, having experienced its rigorous and dynamic curriculum first-hand. During her time as a Fellow, she completed a field placement at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and actively contributed to the redesign of Longwood’s Professional Horticulture program. Her international engagement with garden leaders in countries such as the United States, England, Singapore, and Australia has further shaped her vision for garden education, community-building, and organizational impact.
Prior to this role, Sallen served as Associate Vice President for Education at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida, where she managed educational programming across two campuses. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from New College of Florida and a Master of Arts in education and globalization from the University of Oulu in Finland.
“With Anastasia’s background in public gardens, her commitment to garden education, and her experience as a Fellow, she is well positioned to lead this next chapter of the Fellows Program,” said Kay Chubbuck, Longwood Gardens’ Vice President of Engagement and Learning. “We are thrilled to welcome her into this role.”
The Longwood Fellows Program is renowned for equipping rising leaders with skills in organizational dynamics, governance, leadership communications, and business management. A highlight of the curriculum is a two-month field placement, providing real-world experience that empowers Fellows to address challenges facing public gardens and lead them into a sustainable future.
Reflecting on her appointment, Sallen stated, “I am honored to be selected as the new Director of the Longwood Fellows Program. Longwood has a distinguished history of preparing public garden professionals for leadership positions in horticultural institutions around the globe. I look forward to ensuring the Fellows Program continues to meet the evolving needs of our Fellows and of public gardens.”
Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Longwood Fellows Program, a fully funded residency open to global professionals who aspire to lead in public garden settings. This inclusive program welcomes emerging leaders, career transitioners, and those pursuing advanced degrees, offering them unparalleled opportunities to engage with the pressing challenges of contemporary horticulture.
For details and to apply, visit longwoodgardens.org/fellows-program. Applications are due July 31.
Public garden professionals can also nominate individuals with a commitment to excellence, intellectual curiosity, and an interest in diverse perspectives. Submit nominations online at longwoodgardens.org/longwood-fellows-nomination.
Sallen’s leadership promises to usher in a new era for the Longwood Fellows Program, solidifying its role as an incubator for the next generation of visionaries in public gardening.
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