The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation Trustees are delighted to announce longtime employee Elizabeth Lumbert as the new Dow Gardens Director. With more than a 24-year career in public gardens, operations, program management, business strategy, and a proven ability to work with both internal and external audiences, Lumbert is sure to provide the Dow Gardens with steadfast leadership, vision, and continued success.
“The Dow Gardens is undergoing immense growth with our Whiting Forest Canopy Walk and Connectivity Project,” said Macauley (Mike) Whiting Jr., President of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. “Elizabeth’s deep knowledge and trusted relationships in the Public Garden sector combined with her established role as our spokesperson are essential to lead Dow Gardens through its transformation as we expand our audience nationally.”
About Lumbert
A life-long resident of Midland County, Lumbert graduated with honors when she earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from Northwood University and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science/Biology degree from Michigan State University’s College of Lyman Briggs. While attending MSU she spent a semester studying at the Kellogg Biological Center with hands-on research opportunities with visiting professors. Before coming to Dow Gardens, Lumbert, a life-member of the Chippewa Nature Center, served in many roles at CNC including Program Director for the Summer Day Camp. Also, she served as a contractor for Dow Corning Corporation in the Environmental Department and as an intern at The Dow Chemical Company.
Lumbert is sought out to speak at local and national events and is an active community leader. Currently, she serves as Immediate Past-Chair of the Midland Area Community Foundation. Lumbert, a 2008 graduate of the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Midland program, served on the Leadership Midland Steering Committee from 2009 – 2015. She is a committee member for The Reece Community Living Endeavor of Midland Garden Walk, Contemporary Women’s Review Club of Midland, and Zonta Club of Midland, serving as chair of the Zonta Holiday Home Walk in 2014. Lumbert previously served as a counselor to teens at the Mid-Michigan Hospice Camp Warm Hearts for seven years. She now serves as President of the Board for the Children’s Grief Center of the Great Lakes Bay which provides a healing environment for children, teens, and their families grieving a death.
“I am honored to have been invited to serve as Director of Dow Gardens. The Dow Gardens has deep roots of family, community, and innovation stemming back to Herbert and Grace Dow who raised their family here. Their legacy can be experienced when one visits the Gardens through the efforts of our talented staff and volunteers. I look forward to helping the Board achieve their vision as The Foundation shares the gift of Dow Gardens in new and innovative ways for future generations to enjoy,” Lumbert said.
About Dow Gardens
The Dow Gardens were started in 1899 by Herbert Dow, founder of The Dow Chemical Company. The Gardens, originally developed on eight acres of flat, sandy land, provided a creative outlet for Herbert Dow and his interest in agriculture and design. He created gardens, ponds and hills according to a simple philosophy that is still followed: “never reveal the gardens’ whole beauty at first glance.” Thanks to the dedicated guidance of the Dow family, the Gardens have grown into a 163-acre public garden and forest with more than 130,000 visitors annually. www.dowgardens.org
About The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation was established by Grace A. Dow in 1936 in memory of her husband Dr. Herbert H. Dow, founder of The Dow Chemical Company. The Trust Agreement specifies that the income of the Trust is to be used “for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes for public benefit of the inhabitants of the City of Midland and of the people of the State of Michigan.” Since inception, Foundation Trustees have awarded more than $600 million to worthy programs and projects. The Foundation’s signature gift each year is the Dow Gardens as they share the family estate with the public. www.hhdowfoundation.org
