Grace Elton to Lead Sarah P. Duke Gardens in 2027
Grace Elton will take over as executive director next year following the retirement of long-time leader Bill LeFevre.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
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Grace Elton will begin her new role as the executive director of the 55-acre Sarah P. Duke Gardens in 2027. She succeeds Bill LeFevre, who is retiring after serving as the facility's first executive director for 19 years.
Why it matters
The leadership change arrives as the organization continues to integrate the impact of its $30 million Garden Gateway project, which opened in April 2026. Elton will work alongside LeFevre during her first month to ensure a seamless transition of oversight for the botanical site.
During her nine-year tenure at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Elton oversaw an 81% increase in annual visitation and a 47% growth in membership. Her previous experience also includes serving as horticulture director at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
The players
Grace Elton
An experienced botanical garden leader who previously served as the CEO of the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill for nine years.
Bill LeFevre
The outgoing executive director who served as the first leader of the Sarah P. Duke Gardens for 19 years.
The details
Elton will guide the future trajectory of the gardens after previously managing significant growth at the New England Botanic Garden. The recent Garden Gateway project expanded green space and added a new welcome center to the Durham facility.
Timeline
April 2026: The $30 million Garden Gateway project opened to the public.
2027: Grace Elton is scheduled to begin her new role as executive director.
Market Landscape
The leadership transition follows the completion of the Garden Gateway project, which established a new operational foundation for the university-affiliated gardens. This move positions the institution to maintain momentum following its recent multi-million dollar expansion.
Visitors can expect continued access to the expanded facilities and amenities introduced by the $30 million Garden Gateway project. The leadership transition is designed to maintain the garden's operational standards as the institution enters its next phase of growth.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new director signals a strategic focus on building upon the recent infrastructure investments made at the site. Future visitors should look for continued development in botanical programming following the completion of recent expansions.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership shifts in our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Duke Chronicle.
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