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.
Robin Krchak
Executive Director
Robin came to the Gardens in 2012 as Director of Education before moving into the role of Executive Director in 2013. A graduate of Auburn University, Robin's background includes a wide range of experience including historic preservation, art instruction, grant writing and fundraising, and commercial project management. Much like her background, Robin has brought diversity to the Gardens with unique programming in support of appreciating nature. She is passionate about always finding ways to take the Gardens to the next level, so you're more likely to find her out on the Grounds as opposed to sitting at a desk -- unless she's holding the senior Garden Cat, Bubba!
Seth Allen
Director of Horticulture
Seth joined the Garden in 2018 after having worked at Bellingrath, Longwood, Magnolia Plantation, and Green's Nurseries in Fairhope. He received his Masters in Horticulture from Auburn Univerisity. Seth oversees all aspects of the horticultural activities of MBG, actively designs, procures and installs new planting areas, and manages the accessioning database IrisBG. His passion is the K. Sawada WinterGarden and the hundreds of unique Camellias within that garden.
Aeriell Cashin
Operations Manager and Events Coordinator
Aeriell is a recent graduate of Auburn University and holds a degree in Agricultural Sciences. Aeriell’s passion is education and community outreach with regard to nature and plants. She brings a strong background in event management and logistics to the MBG team and lends oversight to all of our signature events as well as 3rd party rentals. Prior to her current position, Aeriell got to know the Gardens through her 2021 summer internship work which included an array of projects involving our longleaf, woodland trails, Magnolia Hill and even our chickens!
Nita Crandall
Plant Sale Manager
Nita has a long history with the Gardens! Her many years of experience are put to work with the sourcing and coordinating of plant material for greenhouse propagation, MarketPlace, and our annual plant sales.
Jon Todd Crandall
Grounds and Facilities Director
Todd comes from a varied background that most recently included nine years overseeing the day-to-day operations of a 650-acre tea plantation in South Carolina. When he's not busy attending to the many needs of MBG, Todd enjoys spending time with his family and dog, Sadie. He's also an avid fisherman, enjoys cycling, and is known for carving "Ugly Crooked Spoons" from a variety of woods.
Melissa Roombos
Artful Garden Gift Shop Manager
Melissa has over 30 years of retail experience and takes great pride in sourcing unique products for the Artful Garden Gift Shop. She's always on the lookout for new local artists to add to the shop.
Loki, Leo, and Louise
Official Tour Guides
Our offical Garden kitties look forward to your visit! They are here during the week and will likely walk around with you. Dogs are of course welcome at the Gardens, but we do ask that they remain on a leash.
Board of Directors
2023-2024 Executive Committee
Frederick Walch, IV (2025) President
The Walch Group, LLC
Stephen E. Clements (2024) Past President
Mediation Attorney
Neil Kennedy (2026) Vice President – Finance
Sr VP Investments, Stifel
Dr. Bill Barrick (2024) Vice President, Horticulture
Retired – Bellingrath, Horticulturist
Judy Stout, Ph.D. (2026) Vice President – Education
Retired botanist, former MBG Board president
Greer Wilhelm (2025) Vice President – At Large
Retired prosecutor, DAs Office; Master Gardener
Allison Hall (2025) Treasurer
Bookkeeper, Halls Motor Sports
Vera Lynn Sheets (2026) Secretary
Retired, Phillips Preparatory Music Instructor
Robin Krchak, Executive Director
2023-2024 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.
former Alabama State Representative
Carol Mackey (2026)
Retired, Healthcare Sales & operations, Master Gardener
Patrick McGough (2024)
Larson McGowin, Forester
Kitty Meshad (2024)
Catholic Social Svcs BOD; Sullivan Home BOD; Festival of Flowers, Vintage Affair, Med Alliance
Realtor, Legendary Realty, LLC
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
Pilot Group of Companies
Sheri Weber (2024)
Retired, Providence Hospital Outreach Services, community activist
Beth Poates, (non-voting):
2022-23 President, Gulf Coast Herb Society
Harry Surline, (non-voting):
2023 President, Mobile County Master Gardeners