Paula Steigerwald, CEO of the Huntsville Botanical Garden, is retiring after 17 “marvelous” years.

Her retirement is effective Aug. 30, according to a statement from the Garden’s Board of Directors. She joined the Garden in 2002 and oversaw a strong period of transformation and growth at the facility.

“The past 17 years have been marvelous, and we have achieved great things at the Garden,” she said. “It is my hope that the things we have achieved will be just the beginning of great things yet to come for the garden.”

The Garden was named the Attraction of the Year for the State of Alabama (2008), the Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year (2008), and the No. 3 tourism attraction which charge admission in the state (2017 and 2018).

“Paula has done an amazing job as CEO of the garden. She provided the leadership, vision, enthusiasm, imagination, and diplomacy to transform this organization into one of the state’s top tourist attractions and a resource we are proud to have in our community,” said Huntsville Botanical Garden Board Chair Penny Billings. “I would like to thank Paula for her service and wish her nothing but the best as she moves into this new phase of life.”

A search committee has been named, and a national search will begin immediately to fill the role. Interested candidates can submit their resumes at hsvbgceosearch@gmail.com.