SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 14, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — Red Butte Garden has named its new executive director, it was announced Tuesday.
Derrek Hanson will become the fifth executive director of the garden, effective Dec. 16, said a news release from the University of Utah. Hanson has been the garden’s interim executive director for the past seven months, following the resignation of Jimmy Turner earlier this year.
“Derrek has more than 20 years of experience at Red Butte Garden, giving him a keen understanding of what the garden means to the university and the community,” said Laura Snow, the U’s chief of staff. “He has proven to be an effective leader and administrator while leading the organization in various capacities over the years.”
Throughout the pandemic, Hanson navigated the restart of operations while ensuring compliance with state-regulated COVID-19 protocols, the news release said. Under his leadership, the garden was the first cultural institution at the U to resume at full capacity.
“Red Butte Garden provides a variety of services to our community — from botanical and conservation research, to family programming and summer camps, to its world-class concert series,” said Tory Magleby, chair of the Red Butte Garden advisory board. “And Derrek has the experience to expand the garden’s reach. We are excited that he will be leading the next phases of growth over the coming years.”
Hanson served in various capacities at the garden over the last two decades, including visitor services manager, director of events and visitor services and deputy director. “He is most well-known in the community for his role in building the award-winning outdoor concert series,” the news release said. “Under his guidance, the series has become a highly anticipated program that showcases an average of 30 award-winning artists and performances each summer, providing more than 50% of the garden’s operating revenue.”
Hanson graduated from the University of Utah in 1999 with a B.A. in mass communication and earned an MPA in 2007. He received his Master Gardner Certificate from Utah State University.
“I am honored to have been selected to be the next executive director at Red Butte Garden,” said Hanson. “I am fortunate to be working with an extremely dedicated group of staff and volunteers. The garden is near and dear to my heart and has a bright future ahead.”
