After nearly a decade, the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden — one of the largest botanical gardens in the U.S. by acreage — will have a new executive director starting in April.
Announced Monday, Abigayle Tobia has been appointed to lead the nonprofit’s 460-acre site in Collier, succeeding former Executive Director Keith S. Kaiser, whose retirement caps a 48-year career in public garden management.
“I hope that the gardens continue to be a place where our community can go to find rest, peace, to celebrate their great moments,” Tobia said. “The gardens are a place for our families to come together and celebrate all of their milestones with the simplicity of the environment and connecting with nature.”
A Franklin Park resident, Tobia has a history in nonprofit work stretching back to her first job in fundraising with the Price Tower Arts Center in Bartlesville, Okla. She later held positions as vice president of philanthropy at Verland and executive director of the North Allegheny Foundation.
Most recently, she served as director of development for the University of Cincinnati Foundation’s College of Medicine.
“It’s really great that now I’m in another spot in my career where I get to return to something that has always been a personal passion and enjoyment for me, which is public gardens,” Tobia said.
Tobia holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Regis University and a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Iowa.
She has been active in several professional organizations and currently serves as Western Pennsylvania Chapter’s immediate past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
“Abigayle brings exceptional community connections, proven fundraising success and thoughtful leadership. Her experience will advance the garden’s long‑term vision and strengthen the stability of our organization,” said Michael Hatcher, chair of the board of directors, in a statement.
As executive director, Tobia plans to continue Pittsburgh Botanic Garden’s restoration efforts involving acid mine drainage from former coal mines on the site.
Tobia declined to provide her yearly salary as executive director. Kaiser was paid about $135,600 for the position in 2025, according to IRS Form 990s published by ProPublica.
The garden had more than 100,000 visitors in 2025 and usually hosts 60 to 80 weddings a year, Tobia said.
On April 11, the nonprofit will open the Scraposaurs exhibit, featuring 14 dinosaur sculptures made entirely from recycled metal and found objects.
“It’s going to be exciting to have these beautiful dinosaur sculptures all over the garden this summer,” Tobia said.
