Effective January 14, James Hearsum became President and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Mr. Hearsum has been Executive Director of St. Andrews Botanic Garden in Scotland since May 2014. In the heart of St. Andrews, the St. Andrews Botanic Garden is widely regarded as a national treasure. Hearsum succeeds Suzanne Maas, who has been the interim head of Massachusetts Horticultural Society since the fall of 2018.
As Executive Director of
St. Andrews Botanic Garden, Hearsum has been responsible for renewal in all
aspects of the organization’s guest experience, outreach, and educational programs,
particularly by welcoming previously unreached communities. Notable
developments include establishment of a sustainable Urban Farm, Butterfly House
and Community Hub, in addition to a core focus on horticultural excellence. Prior
to St. Andrews, Hearsum was Curator at the Royal Botanic Garden of Jordan.
A member of the Charted Institute of Horticulturists, Hearsum began his career in the UK as a working gardener and nursery manager before attending Writtle College for his undergraduate degree in Horticulture and the University of Cambridge for Practical Horticulture and Plantsmanship. He also was a participant in the Longwood Graduate Program in Public Horticulture in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
