Erin Grajek appointed as president, CEO of Botanical Gardens

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Erin Grajek was unanimously appointed the new president and CEO of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Wednesday, the organization announced.

The announcement follows Grajek's appointment as the Botanical Gardens' interim president and CEO in September after the death of Mark Mortenson, who had held the position since February 2022.

“It’s an honor to have the board’s trust and support as we enter this transformative chapter in the Botanical Gardens’ history,” Grajek said in a statement. “The Botanical Gardens has been a cornerstone of my professional journey and a passion close to my heart. I look forward to continuing our work to inspire, educate, and connect this incredible community to our mission.”

Grajek served as the Botanical Gardens’ chief operating officer from 2021 until her interim appointment in September and has held leadership roles at the organization since 2006, the Botanical Gardens said.

Tisha Luciani, the Botanical Gardens' Board of Directors chair, said they are "100% confident" in Grajek's leadership moving forward.