Arboretum Foundation Staff

Paige Miller—Executive Director
Paige has been at the Arboretum Foundation since April 2007. As executive director, her responsibilities include management and administration, organizational strategy, advocacy and external relations, fundraising, and working with our board of directors and volunteers. Educated at Smith College, Brown University, and Yale Law School, Paige is a former Seattle Port Commissioner and attorney. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking, outdoor activities, going to the opera and the theatre, and playing with her grandchildren. Asked why she enjoys working at the Arboretum, Paige replies: “I love being able to share my enthusiasm for this beautiful place with others and playing a part in making it better for those who will come here in 25 or 50 years. It is an opportunity to leave a real legacy.” Email: pmiller@arboretumfoundation.org.

Sheila Beer—Development and Events Coordinator
Sheila joined our staff in August 2012. She provides support to our fundraising and events staff, and is managing the silent auction for our Opening Night Party. Before coming to the Foundation, she spent most of her professional life in software sales and marketing in Silicon Valley, but returned to her hometown of Seattle to raise her two kids and enjoy the Northwest lifestyle with her family. “Working with the Foundation is a meaningful way to convert my family’s casual use of the city’s treasured park into something more substantial,” says Sheila. “And I’m very excited to be on board!” Email: sbeer@arboretumfoundation.org.

Jeff Boyer—Campaign and Major Gifts Coordinator
Jeff joined the Foundation in April 2013.  He supports our Pacific Connections Capital Campaign, as well as the Arbor Circle and Commemorative Gift programs. He also assists with the development of major gifts. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jeff worked in prospect research for Seattle Pacific University, where he holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Having grown up on Whidbey Island in a farming family, Jeff treasures the open spaces that the Arboretum provides and knows the value of maintaining such a special place. Bottling gardens into glass terrariums is one of Jeff’s hobbies—he also paints and does other craft projects. Email: jboyer@arboretumfoundation.org.

Rhonda Bush—Stewards Coodinator
Rhonda joined us in June 2011. She coordinates two new volunteer programs at the Arboretum: the Pacific Connections Garden Stewards and the Azalea Way Garden Stewards. Both are designed to recruit volunteers to work with salaried Arboretum staff on the long-term care and maintainance of signature horticultural features in the Arboretum. Rhonda is a qualified landscape designer with an ATA Degree in Landscape Design from Edmonds Community College. She also holds an art degree from Anderson University, in Anderson, Indiana. Rhonda’s position is currently funded by a grant from the Miller Foundation and the Peach Foundation. Email: RhondaBush@comcast.net.

Niall Dunne—Communications Manager
Niall has been with the Foundation since June 2007. He manages publications and public relations for the Foundation and is a member of the editorial board of the Washington Park Arboretum Bulletin. He is also a freelance editor and writer, specializing in botany, conservation biology, and horticulture. His latest book is A Native Plants Reader (2012), published by Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG). A former publications editor at BBG, Niall is passionate about plants, urban ecology, open spaces, and public gardens—including the beautiful Washington Park Arboretum. Email: ndunne@arboretumfoundation.org.

Randall Hitchin—Volunteer and Outreach Program Manager
Randall joined the Foundation staff in September 2011. He oversees volunteer recruitment and management, as well as our community and member outreach programs. He is also the botanical editor of the Washington Park Arboretum Bulletin. The former UW Botanic Gardens Living Collections Manager and Registrar, Randall has worked at the Arboretum for well over a decade. He has an M.S. in Urban Horticulture & Public Garden Management from the University of Washington. He is on the board of directors of the Hardy Fern Foundation and is a founding member of the Great Plant Picks Selection Committee. “I’m thrilled to be taking on this exciting new
position in support of the Arboretum,” says Randall, “and I’m looking forward to working with the great staff team we have in place. I just know there are great things ahead.” Email: rhitchin@arboretumfoundation.org.

Kristin Price—Events Manager
Kristin  joined the Foundation in September 2011. She is responsible for planning our larger events, including Opening Night Party at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show and FlorAbundance: The Spring Plant Sale. Prior to joining the Foundation, Kristin worked as an events coordinator with the City of Lynnwood and several Seattle non-profits. An enthusiastic party planner at home, Kristin’s hobbies also include cooking, reading, writing, and gardening. As a Seattle native, Kristin is passionate about all things Seattle and thrilled to be working in one of the most beautiful spots in all of her beloved city. Email: kprice@arboretumfoundation.org.

Julia “Jules” White—Operations Coordinator
Jules manages the Foundation office and is in charge of processing incoming donations and maintaining our donor and member database.  Before joining the Foundation in March 2008, she worked primarily in human services and healthcare. “I enjoy working at the Arboretum and being surrounded by its natural beauty each day,” says Jules. “I also like the variety of challenges that my job brings.” Email: jwhite@arboretumfoundation.org.

Dan Yuly—Finance Manager
Dan joined the Foundaiton in early June, 2011. Dan has a very strong background in non-profit financial management, having worked for such organizations as the Sightline Institute and Friends of the Children, in Seattle. His most recent position was director of finance and operations for the Atlantic Street Center, Seattle. Dan is also passionate about horticulture and the mission of the Arboretum Foundation. He’s particularly interested in Japanese and Chinese gardens—he and his wife are creating an Asian garden at their home in Bremerton. Email: dyuly@arboretumfoundation.org.