Longwood Gardens has appointed Kay Chubbuck, D.Phil., as Vice President of Engagement and Learning. In her role, Chubbuck will lead the 78-person department and oversee the strategic development of Longwood’s award-winning in-person, online, and community-based educational and training programs, which have attracted and engaged learners of all ages from around the globe since 1956. 

With more than two decades of experience in creating and implementing educational experiences, Chubbuck most recently held the position of Vice President for Education at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). There, she developed both in-person and online educational opportunities, overseeing programs for upwards of 100,000 school children and 16,000 adult learners annually. She played a key role in advancing the garden’s digital programs by introducing new technologies and flexible online courses to reach a global audience.

“Kay’s proven expertise in creating dynamic learning opportunities and building community in unique ways felt so right for Longwood as we grow and evolve,” said Marnie Conley, Chief Experience and Brand Officer of Longwood Gardens. “We are thrilled to welcome her to our leadership team with her collaborative spirit, passion for engaging diverse audiences, and respect for public horticulture as a thriving industry.” 

Prior to NYBG, Chubbuck worked for Sotheby’s Institute of Art, initially as Director of Non-Degree Programs and later as Global Online Director. In these roles, she designed and launched a new online graduate degree program for mature and non-traditional students, nurtured international partnerships for joint-degree programs, and created an experiential summer program for teens that included scholarships for students from backgrounds underrepresented in the arts. 

“I am excited by the opportunity to expand Longwood’s educational programs and further advance its mission of inspiring learners of all ages through the beauty of nature and conservation,” Chubbuck said. “I look forward to joining the talented team and working to advance Longwood’s varied and engaging programs.”  

Chubbuck arrives to Longwood as it nears completion of its most ambitious capital project in a century, Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience, slated to debut Nov, 22. The project includes new state-of-the-art classrooms and studios for online and in-person programs. Earlier this year, the Gardens also completed the acquisition of Longwood at Granogue, a 505-acre site in New Castle County, Delaware.

Chubbuck holds doctoral and master’s degrees in English Literature from the University of Oxford, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. She also holds an MS in Journalism from Northwestern University and a BA in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University.

Beyond her professional achievements, Chubbuck volunteers with East Coast Cherokees. She is a founding member and board member of the official Cherokee Nation satellite community for At-Large citizens in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware where she serves on the IT and Youth Activities committees.

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