Desert Botanical Garden has named Arizona nonprofit leader and community connector Chris Kline as its next President and Chief Executive Officer.
He will begin his transition into the CEO role in October 2025 and move to full-time by year’s end. Kline joins the Garden following seven years as President and CEO of the Arizona Media Association and the Arizona Local News Foundation, where he launched a first-of-its-kind coalition of 400+ local media brands to dramatically expand statewide public service initiatives. Under his leadership, both organizations secured record philanthropic investment and developed innovative programs that continue to serve millions of Arizona residents each year.
Kline has a proven record of uniting partners to turn big ideas into lasting impact — experience he will bring to advancing the Garden’s leadership in desert stewardship and community connection.
Over the last two decades, Kline has also won six Emmy Awards for his local projects and served in key roles with Arizona civic, university and nonprofit boards, including as a Desert Botanical Garden Trustee. He most recently served as chair of the Garden’s Marketing and Community Engagement Committee while also contributing to strategic planning, operations support and community outreach efforts.
“Chris brings an exceptional combination of strategic vision and proven ability to unite partners around bold goals,” said Scott Burdick, Chair of the Garden’s Board of Trustees. “His leadership will strengthen the Garden’s role as both a sanctuary for desert beauty and a driving force for solutions on urban heat, water resilience and desert stewardship.”
Ken Schutz, who has served as the Garden’s Executive Director since 2001 and retires on Sept. 30, welcomed the announcement. “The Garden is in a moment of extraordinary opportunity, and Chris is a perfect leader to guide it forward,” says Schutz. “His deep commitment to our mission and track record of building partnerships will ensure the Garden thrives for generations to come.”
In his new role, Kline will focus on:
- Strengthening the Garden’s role as a premier venue for community events & programming
- Expanding the Garden’s living collection and enhancing the visitor experience
- Building innovative partnerships to advance conservation and research (locally and globally)
- Driving collaborative solutions for urban heat mitigation and desert sustainability
Kline said his long-standing connection to and passion for the Garden makes the role especially meaningful. “I grew up in Arizona, and the Garden has always been a source of inspiration. As we look ahead, I know we can also be a hub for community-driven solutions that strengthen our mission. I’m honored to join our talented team, dedicated volunteers and committed supporters to carry forward the Garden’s legacy and help shape a thriving future for the desert we all call home.”
Kline will remain active on local community boards to help foster new partnerships when he assumes the Garden CEO role. As part of that effort, he will join the boards of the Arizona Media Association and Arizona Local News Foundation to ensure continued support for expanded community connection and conversation across Arizona.
The Garden will host welcome events for members, partners and supporters in the months ahead to celebrate Kline’s official start as CEO.
