Big news in plant conservation! 🌿 The Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) has named Dr. Wesley Knapp as its new CEO, bringing decades of expertise in botany and a deep commitment to saving plants from extinction. As the first Texas institution to join CPC back in 1985, the San Antonio Botanical Garden has been at the forefront of plant conservation for nearly 40 years. Today, we safeguard over 110 rare Texas species through our living collection and seed banking efforts. With CPC’s leadership and our ongoing conservation initiatives—including plans for a state-of-the-art seed bank facility—we’re strengthening our role as a regional hub for rare plant preservation and recovery. Congratulations to Dr. Knapp—we look forward to continuing our vital work together!
We are thrilled to share the news that Dr. Wesley Knapp has been appointed as the Center for Plant Conservation’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 31, 2025. Wes is a familiar face to many in the conservation community, having been an active partner in the CPC network and a trusted collaborator through his former role as Chief Botanist for NatureServe. His extensive experience in conservation, botany, plant taxonomy, and leadership are invaluable qualities that will undoubtedly strengthen our collective efforts to save plants from extinction. Wes’s passion for plant conservation is matched only by his expertise. His career has been defined by impactful work in species identification, conservation assessment and prioritization, and conservation planning, making him a leading voice in the fight to protect our planet’s most imperiled flora. As we embark on this next chapter together, Wes’s vision and leadership will be invaluable in advancing CPC’s initiatives and strengthening our partnerships across the network. This leadership transition marks an inspiring new chapter for CPC, and we are deeply grateful for the vital role you, our partners and supporters, play in our shared mission to save plants from extinction. With Wes at the helm, we are confident that CPC will continue to drive science-based conservation strategies, create meaningful progress in safeguarding biodiversity, and inspire action to combat the global extinction crisis. Please join us in welcoming Wes to this new role. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to advance our mission and make a lasting impact! 🔍 Read the full announcement at SavePlants.org/Press-Room 📸: Left: Dr. Wesley Knapp; Top right: Wes Knapp on a trail in the Appalachians; Middle right: Wes Knapp (second from left) speaking on a panel at CPC's 2023 Native Plant Summit in Boston, MA; Bottom right: Wes Knapp in nature. Photos courtesy of Wes Knapp and the Center for Plant Conservation.