Ithaca Children’s Garden Welcomes Leigh MacDonald as Interim Executive Director
ITHACA, NY — April 20, 2026 — Ithaca Children’s Garden (ICG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Leigh MacDonald as Interim Executive Director. A trusted leader within the organization, MacDonald has been part of the Garden community since 1999 and brings more than a decade of leadership experience at ICG, along with a deep commitment to its mission of connecting children with nature through joyful, hands-on exploration.
MacDonald steps into this role following the departure of Executive Director Naomi Sukenik. During her tenure, Sukenik supported the expansion of ICG’s programming, strengthened community access, and helped guide the organization through a period of meaningful growth.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Naomi for her contributions to and care for the Garden,” shared Liz Kinast, ICG’s Board President. “I couldn’t be more pleased to have Leigh serve as Interim Executive Director. Her experience and deep history with ICG make her the perfect person to steward the Garden through this transition.”
MacDonald’s relationship with ICG began as a program assistant while pursuing graduate studies in environmental education. What started as an opportunity to explore connections between plants, people, and community grew into a long-term leadership role as Education Director, where she spent more than a decade helping shape and expand the Garden’s programming.
In that role, MacDonald hired, supervised, and supported diverse teams of educators and seasonal staff, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven culture. She developed and led a wide range of garden-based programs alongside the Garden’s evolution, including wetland and garden ecology, botany, entomology, gardening, cooking, and art. As the organization expanded, she developed and grew ICG’s summer camp and Playful Nature Explorers offerings and guided the integration of playwork philosophy across programs.
MacDonald also brings deep institutional knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the Garden’s operations. She has worked across all aspects of the organization — from securing grants and managing budgets to meeting with donors and collaborating with community partners and schools. She played an active role in the development of the Garden site itself, working closely with community members and key stakeholders to help shape the space that exists today.
After stepping away in 2021, MacDonald returned to ICG in 2023 to support the education team, and later continued her work as the Garden’s Event Coordinator. She has also previously served in an interim leadership capacity during times of transition, providing stability and ensuring continuity across programs and operations. Her return underscored her ongoing dedication to the organization and its community.
“Ithaca Children’s Garden is such a special place for so many, including myself,” said MacDonald. “I’ve had the privilege of working with the Garden in many capacities and look forward to supporting the talented and dedicated staff through this transition.”
Now serving as Interim Executive Director, MacDonald will focus on supporting staff and maintaining the welcoming, inclusive environment that has made the Garden a cherished community resource. She is committed to ensuring that every visitor and program family feels connected, inspired, and at home in the Garden.
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About Ithaca Children’s Garden:
Ithaca Children’s Garden is a three-acre public children’s garden located on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. With a mission to inspire and connect children to nature, the Garden offers dynamic programs and welcoming spaces for children of all ages to learn, grow, and play.
As a nonprofit organization, ICG depends on the support of the community to provide children with opportunities to connect with nature, nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards. Please consider supporting ICG’s mission by visiting https://www.ithacachildrensgarden.org/support/
For more information, please visit: https://www.ithacachildrensgarden.org/
