Swarts tapped to lead Botanical Gardens

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A familiar name has been selected to lead the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society Inc.

The organization announced Thursday that David Swarts has been selected as the Gardens’ new president/chief executive officer following a search that began last September.

Swarts is a former Erie County Clerk and most recently headed up the New York state Department of Motor Vehicles.

“David, a lifelong resident of Erie County, is an outstanding individual who has, throughout his extensive career, consistently demonstrated the administrative and managerial skills necessary to the lead the Gardens’ to a new and exciting level,” said Mary Ann Kresse, chair of the nonprofit.

Swarts will be responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the Gardens’ and for implementing its overall Master Plan and the recently adopted Strategic Plan. His annual salary is $89,000.

The Botanical Gardens are located in South Park at the Buffalo/Lackawanna line.