Chris Kline became President and Chief Executive Officer of Desert Botanical Garden in 2025, bringing nearly two decades of leadership experience in Arizona’s nonprofit, media, and civic sectors.
Prior to joining the Garden, Kline served as President and CEO of the Arizona Media Association and the Arizona Local News Foundation. In that role, he led a coalition of nearly 400 local media brands, launched statewide initiatives to expand public service journalism, and built innovative philanthropic partnerships that continue to impact millions of Arizonans each year. Earlier in his career, he worked in local media across Arizona and at CNN in Washington, D.C.
Kline is deeply engaged in Arizona’s civic and educational community. He has served on boards at Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, the East Valley Institute of Technology, Arizona Talks, and the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He has also contributed to statewide emergency communications and, prior to his CEO appointment, served on Desert Botanical Garden’s Board of Trustees.
A six-time Emmy Award winner for his local work, Kline is passionate about uniting partners to turn bold ideas into lasting community impact. At the Garden, he leads efforts to advance desert plant conservation, inspire connection to the natural world, strengthen the Garden’s role as a premier events destination, and shape solutions for Arizona’s future.