On Tuesday, June 13, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) announced nine new board members who help with fundraising and community outreach and engagement, as well as promoting the organization and their efforts.
New board members include:
-D. Bradley Bourland, president and CEO of Diesslin Group, Inc.
-Marilyn Gilbert, executive vice president, Marketing for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
-Dr. Marie Holliday, owner of multiple business in Fort Worth’s Sundance Square
-Former Arizona Gov. John Fife Symington, III
-Jane Schoomaker, managing director at J.P Morgan
-Lewis D. Wall, III shareholder at Bourland, Wall & Wenzel P.C.
-Charles Amato, chairman and co-founder of SWBC
-James Estill, co-founder and former president of Calloway’s Nursery
-Debbie Morrison Keller, community volunteer.
“You couldn’t ask for a better 30th anniversary present,” said Ed Schneider, President and Executive Director of BRIT, in a news release. “Our outstanding board has a clear sense of mission and is committed to helping BRIT achieve its educational and research goals.”
Their board is now made up of 37 members, from community volunteers to CEOs and company presidents, vice presidents and more. In addition to community engagement, fundraising and mission promotion, it is the duty of the board to help in developing partnerships with NGO’s, educational and state institutions and departments. Board members are responsible for determining relationship compatibility in making local, national and international connections and partnerships.
According to the release, BRIT will be announcing a new series of relationships intended to further its education and research departments within the next six months.
In addition to their research initiatives, BRIT also hosts public events from Butterflies in the Garden and Prairie Day/Night to their annual awards ceremony and various adult education programs.
Founded in 1987, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas is a nonprofit international center for research and education on plants specimens, living plants and the world’s biodiversity.
According to their website, the mission of BRIT is “to conserve our natural heritage by deepening our knowledge of the plant world and achieving public understanding of the value plants bring to life.”
Located on University Drive in Fort Worth, their center is open to the public for free Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon.