The Fort Worth Botanic Garden along with their managing partner the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), proudly announces Kristy Odom as their new board chair. A seasoned entrepreneur and dedicated community leader, Odom brings a wealth of experience and a strategic vision to her new role, aiming to further enhance BRIT’s mission of research, conservation, and public engagement.
A Vision for Growth and Community Impact
Kristy Odom steps into her role with a clear vision for BRIT and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s (FWBG) future. “My personal vision for BRIT is to continue its trajectory as a renowned research institute while nurturing the Fort Worth Botanic Garden as a cherished community asset,” Odom states. Her immediate goals include supporting the final stages of fundraising for the Baker Martin Family Garden and preparing the Garden for the next phases of its strategic plan.
Odom emphasizes, “BRIT and the Garden are uniquely positioned to address global biodiversity decline and nature conservation, which are critical for human health and well-being.” She also hopes to enhance BRIT’s partnerships, particularly with UNT Health Sciences, to promote education and stewardship of natural spaces.
Odom is also actively involved with the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge with her commitment to preserving and enriching local habitats, which perfectly aligns with BRIT’s interest in further collaboration with this tremendous organization and valuable natural resource.
Building Upon a Strong Foundation
Taking over from outgoing board chair Billy Brentlinger, Odom acknowledges the solid groundwork laid by her predecessor. “I’m grateful for Billy’s leadership and the strong foundation he’s built. I look forward to building upon the servant-leader culture already existing within BRIT,” she shares.
During his tenure, Brentlinger significantly enhanced BRIT’s educational outreach, forged partnerships with local environmental groups, and boosted research funding. He took pride in collaborating on the management agreement that has enabled BRIT to operate FWBG, working alongside dedicated individuals and a supportive city to establish a mutually beneficial partnership. Brentlinger also remains proud of identifying an outstanding CEO candidate, and leading the hiring committee to appoint Patrick Newman, whose leadership was ideal for the merger and growth of BRIT and FWBG.
Reflections on Transition
Reflecting on his transition, Billy Brentlinger shares, “I’ll miss being involved in all aspects of strategy and hearing about operations in detail. It has been one of the great opportunities of my life to be involved with BRIT and now FWBG for many years. I love the organization and all the people that love it like I do.” Though stepping back from his role as chair, Brentlinger will remain committed to BRIT’s mission and is eager to contribute his expertise to targeted initiatives that will further the organization’s goals. His ongoing involvement ensures a continuity of leadership and dedication to the vision he helped to cultivate.
Brentlinger said, “The possibilities for BRIT are boundless. I am confident that Kristy will continue to prioritize strategic initiatives that benefit both our community and the environment.”
Call for Community Engagement
BRIT invites the community to engage with its efforts and support the ongoing development of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Odom concludes, “It’s an exciting time for BRIT and FWBG, and I am thrilled to lead such an exemplary board of directors. Together, we will ensure a stronger, more diverse environment for future generations.”
For more information, please visit fwbg.org.
