Organization

Steve “Indiana” Hootman - Executive Director / Curator World Traveler & Plant Collector Extraordinaire

Steve first came to the RSF in 1992. He became Curator in 1994 and by 1998 was running the place. Steve is the Indiana Jones of the plant world and has imbibed more varieties of beverage, in more exotic places, than most could even imagine. Undaunted by unknown foods, snakes, languages, and other bothersome realities, Steve explores the outer reaches of the planet in search of the mysterious and possibly mythical R. hootmanii. When at the RSF, Steve coordinates the development and management of the Rhododendron Species Foundation (RSF), its display garden, the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden (RSBG), and RSF programs. He supervises staff, and is responsible for implementing policies, plans, and budgets developed by the Board of Directors. As Curator he is responsible for developing (e.g. acquiring, accessioning, verification, and record keeping) and interpreting the collection. In his copious spare time, he also writes articles, some of which are remarkably good, for publication. He is the RSF Ambassador for most public arenas and highly lauded despite his barbed tongue. With boyish enthusiasm, and a charm that extricates him from most foot-in-mouth faux pas, Steve knows the world is his oyster. – Though a bit of sand from the rest of the staff is sometimes called for to produce pearls.

Dennis Bottemiller - Nursery Manager/Propagator Sailor, Musician & Jr. World Traveler

Dennis was one of the first students to participate in the RSF Intern Program, nonetheless, the program continues. After graduating from Washington State University he joined the RSF in 1989 as the Nursery Manager/Propagator. He left the RSF in 1993 to work at the Seymour Conservatory in Tacoma, Washington, then returned RSF at the beginning of 2000 where he remains irreplaceable. Dennis is responsible for all propagation and distribution of plant materials. He trains and coordinates the nursery volunteers, and is coordinating the building of the new Rutherford Conservatory. Dennis is in high demand for speaking engagements and answers all kinds of questions – no matter how absurd – with a grin and patience normally reserved for dealing with unruly children. While he’d rather be sailing, and frequently verbalizes his longing for November, he loves his work and brings his own special touch to the work atmosphere.

Tammi Finnick - Gift Shop Attendant

Hired in February 2008 Tammi is one of two half-time staff who greets Garden visitors, sells merchandise and plants as well as acting as the gift buyer. She also keeps visitor records, coordinates garden tours, and supervises docents.

Victoria Gunderson - Bookkeeper / Office Manager / Webmistress

Victoria came to the RSF in February 2006 and has exceptionally filled the role of big sister to the small staff (particularly the rowdy and boisterous boys that were here when she arrived), making sure all toe the line when necessary. However, she is definitely not a harsh task mistress, but is full of fun, laughter, generosity, and perhaps a wee bit o' mischief herself sometimes. She also brought great skills and experience in database, computer, and records management. Originally a librarian, she spent most of her working life with the State of Wyoming and held a variety of positions related to statistical record-keeping and network management. When she isn't overseeing the RSF financial matters, payroll, assisting with distribution, or maintaining the website, she is making volunteers feel welcome and appreciated. Indeed, her main role is mother hen – and this is written with the utmost affection – to the folks involved with the RSF, making sure everyone is happy and healthy. She has brought warmth and sparkle to the Garden.

Lisa Nelson - Curatorial / Nursery / Garden Assistant

When Curator Steve Hootman decided to return to school to earn his Ph.d and work half-time at the RSF beginning in 2008, Lisa was hired to compensate for Steve's absence. By the time Steve returned, Lisa had proven herself so handy and versatile that we couldn’t quite let her go. Lisa completed her degree in Natural Resources from Oregon State University, and then spent three years traveling around the western U.S. working for the National Park Service as a plant technician. Whether driving tractor, doing curatorial documentation, mixing soil or humping plants from hoop to hoop, Lisa is dependable, cheerful and an all-around good hand. With each new opportunity, she has revealed another skill or talent to be utilized. She proclaims her passion for the world of rhododendrons and eagerness to follow in the footsteps of her mentors at RSF.

Deirdre Zema - Gift Shop Attendant

After more than 10 years as a dedicated gift shop volunteer, Deirdre was hired in November 2007 as one of two half-time staff who greets Garden visitors, sells merchandise and plants as well as acting as the gift buyer. She also keeps visitor records, coordinates garden tours, and supervises docents.

2009 RSF Board of Directors

Executive Committee

President

Charles "Chip" Muller

Seattle, WA

1st Vice President

Benjamin Hall

Bellevue, WA

2nd Vice President

Joshua Green, III

Seattle, WA

Treasurer

Ken Wright

Kent, WA

Secretary

Jeanine Smith

Woodinville, WA

Member at Large

Diane Thompson

Bothell, WA

Member at Large

Mike Stewart

Sandy, OR

Member at Large

Deena Henkins

Seattle, WA

Immediate Past President

Joseph Ronsley

Vancouver, BC, CANADA

Board

Rollo Adams

Redmond, WA

Wilbur Bluhm

Salem, OR

Christopher Brickell

Pulborough, UNITED KINGDOM

Honorary

Peter Cox

Glencarse, SCOTLAND

Susan Davies

Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND

Philippe de Spoelberch

Haacht, BELGIUM

Robert Dunning

Maple Valley, WA

Bruno Falanga

North Andover, MA

Mark Flanagan

Windsor, ENGLAND

Honorary

Robert Franz

Vancouver, WA

Honorary

David Goheen

Anne Gross

Camas, WA

Salem, OR

Honorary

Honoré Hacanson

Longview, WA

Henry "Hank" Helm

Bainbridge Island, WA

Prudence Holliger

Issaquah, WA

Donald Hyatt

McLean, VA

Douglas Justice

Vancouver, BC, CANADA

Donald King

Issaquah, WA

Carl Lehmann

Klampenborg, DENMARK

William Lindeman

Port Townsend, WA

Robert Mast

Auburn, WA

Honorary

Patricia McDowell

Auburn, WA

William O’Neill

Bainbridge Island, WA

Garratt Richardson

Seattle, WA

Martha Robbins

Grapeview, WA

Francis "Fran" Rutherford

Port Orchard, WA

Charles Sale & Margaret Charlton

North Vancouver, BC, CANADA

Honorary

June Sinclair

Donald Smart

Port Ludlow, WA

Carnation, WA

Honorary

Herbert Spady

Portland, OR

William Spohn

Vancouver, BC, CANADA

Richie Steffen

Paul Thompson

Federal Way, WA

Bothell, WA

Ian Walker

Garth Wedemire

Seattle, WA

Maple Ridge, BC, CANADA

Keith White

Salem, OR

Fredrick Whitney

Bob Zimmermann

Kent, WA

Port Ludlow, WA