Our Organization
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How We Grew
Highline Botanical Garden was formed when two extraordinary private gardens were scheduled for demolition to make room for the flight path of SeaTac Airport’s third runway. Recognizing the cultural and recreational value of the Elda Behm Paradise Garden and the Seike Family Japanese Garden, hundreds of community members came together to find the land, funding and labor to relocate these gardens to their new home.
Read Our Current Newsletter
Fall News | September 2026
Our Mission
Connecting the community to nature through a diverse and beautiful collection of historical gardens.
The Highline Botanical Garden Foundation was created by volunteers, to preserve two important gardens impacted by SeaTac Airport’s proposed third runway. Through a partnership between volunteers, the City of SeaTac, and the Port of Seattle, the Foundation moved thousands of plants to the North SeaTac Park.
Our Board
The Foundation’s Board of Directors works to build a strong future for the Garden. Board members share a fiduciary responsibility for the Garden’s annual budget and financial operations. The unique aspect of this board is their willingness to get their hands dirty, dig in the dirt, prune, trim, and weed. Highline Botanical Garden Foundation is always seeking motivated board members to join our team and keep our beautiful gardens growing.
Luanne Coachman
President
Luanne is a retired attorney formerly employed by King County focusing on Clean Water, Endangered Species, and State Environmental Policy Act programs. She is also the founder of the King County Employees’ Garden Club.
Aniko Juhasz
Vice President
Aniko is very active with the Northwest Fuchsia Society. She also coordinates the semi annual newsletter.
Lori McCleary
Treasurer
Lori is a University of Washington graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Accounting major. She enjoys gardening in Des Moines.
Angelica Thrasher
Secretary
Angelica is a resident of Des Moines. As a devoted houseplant enthusiast who is passionate about all things botanical, Highline Botanical Garden’s history, beauty and peaceful ambiance. She appreciates the strong sense of community and pride that local volunteers and donors feel for the garden and actively encourages others to support the foundation.
Leslie Galloway
Leslie is a lifelong resident of the Burien area and an avid gardener. She holds a BS in Forestry from the University of Washington and has over 25 years experience in nonprofit administration
Angie Hinh
Angie is an avid gardener and was delighted to discover the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden. She is excited to help elevate awareness of this community gem and support efforts to preserve and grow the Garden’s horticultural collections for future generations.
Sarah Moore
Sarah is a 20 year resident in Burien, where she lives within walking distance of Highline Botanical Garden and visits as often as she can. She works as the Program Coordinator for the King County Master Gardeners, and holds a BS degree in Biology from Bates College.
Terri Morris Nichols
Terri comes from an extensive health related background. She is interested in developing community connections and maintaining the history and legacy of the Garden.
Karine Roettgers
Karine’s background is in planning, procurement, and development. She has volunteered with many organizations, including several botanical gardens in the area.
Ross Salvosa
Ross is President/CEO/Director of Music and Arts for Concordia Arts & Music Academy, in Tukwila. He has a doctorate in music and in the past worked with Music Without Borders. He is excited to be a member of the Board.
Our Staff
Naomie Chamberlain
Executive Director
Naomie joined the organization as Executive Director mid 2025. She holds a degree in architecture and urban development from Harvard University and brings a strong background in organizational strategy, finance, and community-centered leadership.
Etta Lilienthal
Marketing and Communications Director
Etta’s background is in the arts with focused time spent sharing stories through visual communications. A graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, her career in Seattle has brought her in close contact with local communities, myriad experiences, and unique environments. She is honored to bring her passion for people and plants to Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden.
Reeanna Bradley
Facilities and Operations Manager
Reeanna is an operations and community engagement leader with 15+ years of experience coordinating facilities, vendors, compliance, events, and organizational systems across nonprofit, government, and consulting environments. She is a passionate gardener, beekeeper, and longtime supporter of the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden community.
Kirsten Cooper
Volunteer Coordinator
Kirsten Cooper is the volunteer coordinator for Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden with years of experience in teaching in a variety of areas. She is a board member at New Start Community Garden and has a BA from the University of Washington. She is also a wife and mother.
Our Foundation
The Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is a partnership between the City of SeaTac, the Port of Seattle, and the Highline Botanical Garden Foundation. The HBGF is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit charitable organization, federal tax ID 31-1596850.
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Our Sponsors
Marcia & Andrew Rebmann
The Garden Conservancy
The Nannette Mead Testamentary Trust
Charles and Marie Hoffman
The McEchern Foundation
Our Community Partners
VISIT
COMPLIMENTARY Admission for all visitors.
HOURS: Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is open from dawn to dusk every day.
PETS: Dogs on a leash are permitted in the garden. Please refrain dogs from playing in the ponds, streams and fountains. Clean up after pets.
501 (c)3 EIN 31-1596850
GARDEN INFORMATION
Puget Sound’s Most
Treasured Gardens
LOCATION: 13735 24th Avenue S
SeaTac, WA 98168
MAILING: P.O. Box 69384
SeaTac, WA 98168-9384