Mission Statement
Mobile Botanical Gardens provides experiences that help visitors of all ages appreciate and benefit from our unique Gulf Coast environment. The Gardens serve as a living classroom for residents and visitors alike. By providing a sense of place, we endeavor to instill passion for nature, and to preserve, protect, and present the unique plants of the Gulf Coast region.
South Alabama Botanical and Horticultural Society, dba Mobile Botanical Gardens, is a 501(c) (3)509(a)(2) non-profit organization with public/private funding.
Board of Directors
2024-2025 Executive Committee
Frederick Walch, IV (2025) President
The Walch Group, LLC
Stephen E. Clements (2027) Past President
Mediation Attorney
Neil Kennedy (2026) Vice President – Finance
Sr VP Investments, Stifel
Dr. Bill Barrick (2027) Vice President, Horticulture
Retired – Bellingrath, Horticulturist
Judge Charles Zackery (Zack) Moore (2027) Secretary
District Judge, Mobile County
Judy Stout, Ph.D. (2026) Vice President – Education
Retired botanist, former MBG Board president
Allison Hall (2025) Treasurer
Bookkeeper, Halls Motor Sports
Vera Lynn Sheets (2026) VP Personnel Support
Retired, Phillips Preparatory Music Instructor
2024-2025 Board Members
Laura Frost, Ph.D. (2025)
Assistant Professor of Biology, USA
Jack LeCroy (Honorary)
Regional Extension Agent Auburn University
Chuck Greer (2026)
Botanist
Ricia Hendrick (2026)
Editor and Publisher, Elevator World, Inc.
Ken Kvalheim (2027)
former Alabama State Representative
Forrest Latta (2027)
Partner, Burr & Formal LLP
International Camellia Society U.S. Regional Director
Nick Lawkis (2027)Executive Director for Governmental Relations, University of South Alabama
Carol Mackey (2026)
Retired, Healthcare Sales & operations, Master Gardener
Patrick McGough (2027)
Larson McGowin, Forester
Julie Moore (2026)
Retired, Claude Moore Jeweler; Teacher at Etiquette Mobile
Dana Renta, M.D. (2026)
Retired Doctor of Medicine; Master Gardener; Educator
Jeb Schrenk (2026)
USA Director of Digital and Strategic Communications
Janice Small (2026)
Retired, City of Mobile Parks Department
Drew Walch (2026)
Pilot Group of Companies
Beth Poates, (non-voting):
2024-25 President, Gulf Coast Herb Society
Bob Howard, (non-voting):
2025 President, Mobile County Master Gardeners