STAFF
Steve Hootman - Co-Executive Director / Curator
Began as garden assistant in 1992 and promoted to Curator in 1994, then appointed Co-Executive Director in 1998. Steve coordinates the development and management of the Rhododendron Species Foundation (RSF), its display garden, the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden (RSBG), and RSF programs. He supervises employees (primarily nursery and garden staff), and is responsible for implementing policies, plans, and budgets developed by the Board of Directors. As Curator he is responsible for developing (e.g. acquiring, accessioning, verification, and record keeping) and interpreting the collection.
Rick Peterson - Co-Executive Director
Employed as Garden Manager from 1985-2007, and appointed Co-Executive Director in 1998, Rick coordinates the development and management of the Rhododendron Species Foundation (RSF), its display garden, the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden (RSBG), and RSF programs. He supervises employees (primarily office & gift shop staff), and is responsible for implementing policies, plans, and budgets developed by the Board of Directors. Oversees the Volunteer, Intern, Visitor Programs and the Spring and Fall Plant Sale Fundraisers.
Dennis Bottemiller - Nursery Manager/Propagator
Dennis was one of the first students to participate in the RSF Intern Program. After graduating from Washington State University he joined the RSF in 1989 as the Nursery Manager/Propagator. He left the RSF in 1993 to work at the Seymour Conservatory in Tacoma, Washington, then returned to the same positiong at the beginning of 2000. Dennis is responsible for all propagation and distribution of plant materials. He coordinates the nursery volunteers.
Tammi Finnick - Gift Shop Attendant
Newly hired in February 2008 Tammi fill the new half-time position as salesperson and merchandise buyer. She also keeps visitor records, coordinates garden tours, and supervises docents. Welcome Tammi!
Kurt Looser - Gardener
Kurt spent twenty years with the U.S. Coast Guard before changing to a career in horticulture. In 2000 he participated in the RSF Intern Program. Hired in 2004 to work in the RSBG, Kurt is responsible for assisting with garden maintenance and renovation. He coordinates the garden volunteers.
Lisa Brittain - Curatorial / Nursery Assistant
When Curator Steve Hootman decided to return to school to earn his Ph.d and work half-time at the RSF beginning in 2008, Lisa was hired in February to compensate for Steve's absence. Welcome Lisa!
Victoria Gunderson - Bookkeeper / Office
Victoria joined the RSF staff in February 2006. She oversees the financial accounts, payroll, and membership program.
Deirdre Zema - Gift Shop Attendant
Long-time gift shop volunteer Deirdre was hired in November 2007 to fill the new half-time position as salesperson and merchandise buyer. She also keeps visitor records, coordinates garden tours, and supervises docents. Welcome Deirdre!
Bill Spohn - Volunteer Webmaster, lawyer, and amateur Rhodoholic living with 900 rhodos in West Vancouver BC. If you see any problems with the website, please contact at wspohn4@aol.com
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
President Joseph Ronsley Lions Bay, BC 2007
1st Vice President Charles Muller Seattle, WA 2007
2nd Vice President Joshua Green, III Seattle, WA 2007
Treasurer W. H. Brackman Puyallup, WA 2007
Secretary Jeanine Smith Woodinville, WA 2008
Member at Large Benjamin Hall Bellevue, WA 2008
Member at Large Diane Thompson Bothell, WA 2008
Member at Large Open
Immediate Robert Zimmermann Port Ludlow, WA 2007
Past President
Board
Rollo Adams Redmond, WA 2007
Chris Brickell Nutbourne, West Sussex, U.K. 2010
Margaret Charlton/ Charles Sale, North Vancouver, BC 2009
Susan Davies Palmerston North, NZ 2008
Robert Dunning Maple Valley, WA 2008
Bruno Falanga North Andover, MA 2007
Mark Flanagan, Windsor, UK 2009
Debra Hansen Auburn, WA 2006
Hank Helm Bainbridge Is. WA 2009
Don Hyatt McLean, VA 2010
Douglas Justice Vancouver, BC 2008
Donald King Issaquah, WA 2007
Carl Lehmann Klampenberg, Denmark 2007
Bill Lindeman Port Townsend 2009
William O’Neill Bainbridge Is., WA 2007
Robert Mast Auburn, WA 2006
Patricia McDowell Auburn WA 2009
Garratt Richardson Seattle, WA 2010
Martha Robbins Puyallup, WA 2007
Francis Rutherford Port Orchard, WA 2008
Philippe de Spoelberch Herkenrode, Belgium 2008
William Spohn West Vancouver, BC 2007
Richie Steffen Federal Way, WA 2010
Ian Walker Seattle, WA 2008
Keith White Salem, OR 2008
Honorary Board Members
Peter Cox Perth, Scotland
David Goheen Camas, WA
Honoré Hacanson Longview, WA
June Sinclair Port Ludlow, WA
Herbert Spady Portland, OR
Robert Franz Vancouver, WA
