Meet the Meerkerk Board and Staff (stay tuned— we are adding backgrounds for each of our board members and staff)

Board Officers  

Re McClung, President: I joined Meerkerk Gardens in 2013, embarking on a journey that has been both rewarding and transformative. My role as President for the last several years has allowed me to support the vision that makes the gardens a special place for the community. Each year, the gardens become increasingly beautiful, reflecting the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. It has been a privilege to be part of this ongoing transformation and to see the gardens flourish. We warmly invite you to visit Meerkerk Gardens soon. The beauty and tranquility of the gardens are best experienced in person, and we look forward to welcoming you.

Don Kohlenberger, Vice President

Ellen Alexander, Treasurer

Margot Bottolfson, Secretary 

Board Members

John Bachert

Maria Cablao

June Davis

Greg Winters: I have been a volunteer at Meerkerk since the mid 90’s and was a member of the ‘Meerkerk Management Group’ while the gardens were still owned by the Seattle Rhododendron Society.  I am a Master Gardener, have a lifetime membership in the American Rhododendron Society, was a past president of the Pilchuck ARS Chapter and currently a member of their board.  Unusual for a Meerkerk board member, I live on the mainland on five acres due east of Meerkerk – if Camano Island wasn’t in the way, I would be able to see Meerkerk from my deck.  I make the two-hour trek to Meerkerk relatively often – it is so worth it!  My background is in Computer Engineering, I was once an Imagineer for Disney Parks and am currently employed by Coinstar as a Principal Software Engineer.  Besides gardening, my hobbies include sailing, wood working, laser engraving/cutting, 3D printing and home automation – I am the ‘Tech Guy’ on the Meerkerk board. 

Garden Staff     

Ron Newberry, Garden Operations Manager

Tristan Levine, Gardener

Cody DeYoung, Gardener

Nursery Staff

Caitlin Stanton, Nursery Manager

Office Staff         

Rachel Cook, Development Manager

Robin Bush, Publicity and Events Manager: I joined the staff in summer of 2025. Much of my career has been dedicated to bringing nature’s beauty and inspiration into people’s lives, as a deep pool for reflection that fosters community, and encourages environmental stewardship. I am a strategic communicator, storyteller, writer, designer, and award-winning photographer and video producer. For Meerkerk Gardens, I plan, create, and manage our print and online marketing as well as our major events.

Jeanne Celeste, Bookkeeper