Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Vallarta Botanical Garden (VBG) is thrilled to announce Tessa Lee as incoming Executive Director. She will take up her position soon. Tessa is a career sustainability professional, with a wealth of experience in non-profit management, travel and tourism, and social impact.
Tessa joins VBG at an important inflection point. This year VBG celebrates its 20th anniversary and is looking ahead to a third decade of growing its impact as a leading Mexican environmental and educational not-for-profit.
Originally from North Carolina, fluent in Spanish and with extensive Latin American experience, Tessa has spent the last 14 years living and working in New York City. She joins VBG from Expedia Group, where she served as global Senior Manager for Climate and Sustainability.
At Expedia Group, Tessa launched the company’s first Climate Action Plan and supported the creation of new sustainability features for travelers on their technology platforms. She oversaw the creation of the Destination Climate Champions program in partnership with the Travel Foundation, as well as the Nature Positive Tourism Fund, managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
She previously led corporate engagement for non-profit The Climate Group, focused on decarbonizing supply chains and scaling renewable energy procurement. Prior to that, she held roles at various environmental non-profits, including the Rainforest Foundation, Carbon War Room, Rocky Mountain Institute, and 100 Resilient Cities, pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation. She additionally spent nearly a decade in the restaurant industry.
Tessa shares “I’m deeply committed to preserving our wondrous natural world, and I know that impact-driven local organizations are critical to the success of that goal. At Expedia Group, one of my favorite parts of the job was supporting destinations in building their capacity to manage their environmental resources while educating travelers on the exciting possibilities of sustainable journeys. The Vallarta Botanical Garden sits at the intersection of science, conservation, education, and hospitality, and I am honored to step into this leadership role.”
“We are absolutely delighted that Tessa has decided to join our team” commented Jesús Reyes, CEO of VBG. “She knows Puerto Vallarta well, is passionate about helping to mitigate the sustainability issues faced by our beloved region and, most importantly, believes in the mission of the Garden to protect native Mexican flora and fauna. Specifically, she will be providing leadership for the next phase in our growth and development, expanding educational programming, cultivating community engagement, and increasing our visibility.”
Bob Price, Founder and Curator of VBG, was also keen to extend a warm welcome to Tessa, sharing that “we have come a long way in 20 years, from a patch of farmland to an award-winning Botanical Garden that is now on the cutting edge of scientific research into Mexican orchids and which gives endangered species such as the Military macaw a place to survive and thrive. Our institution demonstrates that sustainable tourism is both possible and profitable in Puerto Vallarta. Tessa is just the person we need right now to increase our impact ten-fold.”
When the Garden first opened in November 2005, it was on a small 4-hectare (approximately 10-acre) site. Now the Garden has over 135 hectares (330 acres) under its protection, offering a safe haven for over 250 species of bird and more than 1,200 species of plants, including several under severe threat of extinction, such as the Magnolia Vallartensis tree, from which blooms the official flower of Puerto Vallarta. Bringing Tessa on board is a huge opportunity for VBG to scale its important conservation work and expand its educational and community outreach programs, building a more resilient and sustainable future for the wider region.
Visit the internationally famous Vallarta Botanical Garden located just 30 minutes south of Old Town at Km. 24 on Highway 200 and easily accessible by public transportation and taxi. This 135 hectares wildlife preserve and botanical garden have something fun for everyone. Over 200 species of birds have been observed on the Garden’s grounds. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the jungle river. See plantings of vanilla, chocolate, and hundreds of other botanical delights! Authentic Mexican Cuisine is served in the Hacienda de Oro Restaurant from 10 am to 5 pm. The Garden is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm (closed Mondays from April 1 to December 1). Garden admission is just $300 pesos. For more information, call (322) 223-6182 or visit vbgardens.org.