Yew Dell Botanical Gardens announces retirement of Executive Director Paul Cappiello

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens announced the retirement of Executive Director Paul Cappiello after more than two decades of leadership.

Cappiello will retire in early 2027, with his departure following the selection and successful transition of his successor.

"For 24 years, Cappiello has helped shape Yew Dell into one of the region’s most distinctive botanical gardens and a nationally recognized destination for horticulture, education and community engagement," the garden said in a news release. "His vision, passion and curiosity have touched nearly every aspect of Yew Dell, from its gardens to its programs, partnerships and growing community of supporters."

"A uniquely dedicated board, visionary donors, some of the most talented staff on the planet, committed volunteers and a whole community of supporters have come together over the last 24 years to create pure magic," Cappiello said. "You have all made my leadership the experience of a lifetime. I can’t think of another place in the country that uses a green and garden lens so beautifully to create joy, inspire inquiry and support physical and mental well-being. It has been my distinct pleasure to serve Yew Dell Botanical Gardens and help build this extraordinary organization. I am deeply grateful to all who have shared in this journey and look forward to supporting Yew Dell’s next exciting chapter of growth."

During his career, Cappiello received numerous national and international honors for his contributions to horticulture, education, writing and plant exploration.

He was named the 2013 recipient of the American Horticultural Society’s Liberty Hyde Bailey Award, the organization’s highest honor, and received the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Award of Excellence in 2015.

In 2017, he received the Award of Merit from the International Plant Propagators’ Society Eastern Region, its highest honor. He was also recognized as a 2023 Louisville Business First Nonprofit Visionary Leader.

Cappiello has authored more than 600 pieces, spanning newspapers, garden publications and academic journals, and has been recognized nationally and internationally for his writing, teaching, public speaking and research. His work has also included consulting with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute at the University of Louisville on the Greenprint Initiative in downtown Louisville.

At Yew Dell, Cappiello has helped lead the organization through growth in its gardens, horticultural collections, educational offerings, community programs and national reputation. Under his leadership, Yew Dell has continued to build on the legacy of founders Theodore and Martha Lee Klein while developing its own distinctive identity as a place where serious horticulture, accessible science, creativity and inspiration come together.

"Paul Capiello has become inextricably linked with Yew Dell," said Robert Nunnelley, board president of Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. "His leadership, passion and vision have had a profound impact in shaping this remarkable place and has touched every aspect of Yew Dell. We cannot express our gratitude enough for all he has given to this organization and especially for positioning Yew Dell for an amazing future. We are excited to build on such a strong foundation established by a vision from the Kleins and expanded with tremendous advancement from Paul."

The board is conducting a search for Cappiello’s successor, whom Cappiello will work closely with to ensure a successful transition.

"Paul leaves Yew Dell with an extraordinary mark on its legacy and, just as importantly, he has situated Yew Dell with tremendous momentum to move its’ mission forward," Nunnelley added.

Cappiello’s contributions will be celebrated at a retirement gathering at Yew Dell in November. Details about Yew Dell’s leadership transition and future plans will be announced in the coming months.