Board of Directors

Jim Berry

Retired from Delta Airlines.  Active volunteer in local public schools and Girl Scouts. Associates Degree in Horticulture and an active Leach volunteer. Special interest in pruning and maintaining the Garden's beauty.

Irene Bowers

Over twenty years experience as a project manager in landscape architecture. Currently employed at Portland Development Commission. Projects include Eastbank Esplanade, Willamette National Cemetery and Reed College Heritage Master Plan

Beth Emshoff

Oregon Open Campus Director and Metro Specialist for Oregon State University Extension Service at the Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies.  Beth is passionate about horticulture, including non-food horticulture.

Gay Greger- President

Retired from Portland Parks & Recreation and a career in community relations, public involvement, and volunteer coordination. Was involved with the Garden in that capacity in the early 1980s and is pleased to be back now as a volunteer. 

Larry Griffith- Treasurer

Retired from over 30 years as an executive in Portland’s high tech industry including such companies as Tektronix and Merant. A neighbor of Leach Garden, he has been associated with the Friends since the early 1980’s.  

Susan Hathaway-Marxer

Retired from Portland Parks & Recreation.  In addition to her involvement as board member and officer at Leach Botanical Garden,  sits on the Oregon State Library Board.

Amy Miller-Dowell- Board Development Committee Chair

An architect with expertise in community redevelopment, urban design and housing.  She is an Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Oregon and previously served as President of American Institute of Architects, Portland Chapter.

Linda Morrow- Vice President

Earned a BA in English and an MBA. Worked over a decade in marketing and strategic planning. Currently pursuing horticultural interests through involvement in Portland Garden Club and other organizations.

Bette Streitmatter- Secretary

Retired social worker, a founding member and neighbor to the garden, long-time Leach volunteer and avid gardener. Especially interested in education activities Leach Garden can bring to the community.

George Taylor

Retired piano tuner and music store owner. Active Tuesday Garden/Nursery volunteer. Longtime neighbor.  Mandolin and fiddle band member doing frequent fundraisers for other non-profits.