Our Organization

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How We Grew

Highline Botanical Garden was formed when two extraordinary private gardens were scheduled for demolition to make room for the flight path of SeaTac Airport’s third runway. Recognizing the cultural and recreational value of the Elda Behm Paradise Garden and the Seike Family Japanese Garden, hundreds of community members came together to find the land, funding and labor to relocate these gardens to their new home.

Our Mission

Connecting the community to nature through a diverse and beautiful collection of historical gardens.

The Highline Botanical Garden Foundation was created by volunteers, to preserve two important gardens impacted by SeaTac Airport’s proposed third runway. Through a partnership between volunteers, the City of SeaTac, and the Port of Seattle, the Foundation moved thousands of plants to the North SeaTac Park.

Our Board

The Foundation’s Board of Directors works to build a strong future for the Garden. Board members share a fiduciary responsibility for the Garden’s annual budget and financial operations. The unique aspect of this board is their willingness to get their hands dirty, dig in the dirt, prune, trim, and weed. Highline Botanical Garden Foundation is always seeking motivated board members to join our team and keep our beautiful gardens growing.

Luanne Coachman

President

Luanne is a retired attorney formerly employed by King County focusing on Clean Water, Endangered Species, and State Environmental Policy Act programs. She is also the founder of the King County Employees’ Garden Club.

Aniko Juhasz

Vice President

Aniko is very active with the Northwest Fuchsia Society. She also coordinates the semi annual newsletter.

Lori McCleary

Treasurer

Lori is a University of Washington graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Accounting major. She enjoys gardening in Des Moines.

Angelica Thrasher

Secretary

Angelica is a resident of Des Moines. As a devoted houseplant enthusiast who is passionate about all things botanical, Highline Botanical Garden’s history, beauty and peaceful ambiance. She appreciates the strong sense of community and pride that local volunteers and donors feel for the garden and actively encourages others to support the foundation.

Leslie Galloway

Leslie is a lifelong resident of the Burien area and an avid gardener. She holds a BS in Forestry from the University of Washington and has over 25 years experience in nonprofit administration

Angie Hinh

Angie is an avid gardener and was delighted to discover the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden. She is excited to help elevate awareness of this community gem and support efforts to preserve and grow the Garden’s horticultural collections for future generations.

Sarah Moore

Sarah is a 20 year resident in Burien, where she lives within walking distance of Highline Botanical Garden and visits as often as she can. She works as the Program Coordinator for the King County Master Gardeners, and holds a BS degree in Biology from Bates College.

Karine Roettgers

Karine’s background is in planning, procurement, and development. She has volunteered with many organizations, including several botanical gardens in the area.

Our Staff

Naomie Chamberlain

Executive Director

Naomie joined the organization as Executive Director mid 2025. She holds a degree in architecture and urban development from Harvard University and brings a strong background in organizational strategy, finance, and community-centered leadership.

executivedirector@highlinegarden.org

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Our Foundation

The Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is a partnership between the City of SeaTac, the Port of Seattle, and the Highline Botanical Garden Foundation. The HBGF is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit charitable organization, federal tax ID 31-1596850.