Meet The Team
Heather Parker – Executive Director
I am excited to be a part of the Friends of the Garden team and for the opportunity to help grow the Springfield Botanical Gardens through the support of partnerships, volunteers, and our community. I joined this team in May 2021 from the Springfield Fire Department, where I served as the Fire and Life Safety Educator. I have also worked two separate terms with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department as the Community Health Advocate Program coordinator and public health investigator, a biologist for the National Park Service, an environmental scientist, and a park ranger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I knew early on I was interested in all things science. From Missouri State University, I obtained a master of science in natural and applied sciences with a plant science emphasis and a bachelor of science in wildlife conservation and management. In addition to a background in science, I have experience with financial operations for local businesses.
I served on the Friends of the Garden Board from 2009 to 2015, so it is wonderful to return in this capacity. This geographical area has always been one of my favorite destination spots in Springfield. My children grew up visiting here, and I look forward to carrying on the work so that you and yours can also create special memories at these beautiful gardens!
Gage Rudick – Program Director
I am genuinely excited to be a part of the FOG team as Program Director. In 2009, I graduated from the first class from the Green Leadership Academy for Diverse Ecosystems, or GLADE, an experimental, place-based educational program developed by the Greater Ozarks Audubon and Missouri State University. After an entire week spent in the heart of the Ozarks White River Valley, I fell in love with the area’s magnificent nature. As a result, I developed a whole new appreciation for conservation. At the time, I was already enrolled for my first semester at OTC, studying Electronic Media Production. Although I chose to pursue a career in media, my passion for the natural world remains strong. After ten years of working in local broadcast television, I’m excited to use my array of skills to help our organization grow and thrive.
I’ve always had a fondness for nature and conservation. I view this position as an opportunity to merge those core passions into a new beginning, one where I can take what I’ve learned and use it to help others ignite their love for our beautiful, natural world.
