Paul B. Redman

Paul B. Redman is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Longwood Gardens. During his tenure which began during Longwood’s centennial in 2006, Redman has spearheaded the development and implementation of a visionary, 40-year masterplan and strategic plan that has positioned the Gardens as a premier horticultural, and educational institution of the 21st century whose mission is to bring joy to all people through the beauty of nature.

Highlights of experiential garden advancements realized under Redman’s leadership include: the 2010 opening of the new East Conservatory Plaza, featuring one of the largest green walls in North America; the 2014 expansion of the Meadow Garden from 40 acres to 86 acres of native wildflower plantings and trails; and the 2017 preservation and revitalization of the iconic Main Fountain Garden. Longwood debuted in November 2024 its most ambitious expansion and reimagination in its 118-year history with the reimagination of 17 acres that includes a new state-of-the-art 32,000 square foot all glass conservatory that appears to float on a pool of water, a new courtyard garden to display Longwood’s world class bonsai collection, a new jewel box glass house that was built to preserve and showcase the Cascade Garden designed by Roberto Burle Marx, plus a new restaurant, event space and engagement center that includes studios for the delivery of its globally recognized kindergarten through 12th grade distance learning programs.

Under his tenure the Gardens’ overall attendance has doubled to more than 1.6 million visitors per year, and membership has climbed from 17,000 to 80,000 households. Longwood Gardens is the most visited paid public garden in North America and the most visited paid cultural attraction in Philadelphia. In addition, during Redman’s leadership, Longwood has expanded its horticultural conservation mission with the acquisition of the 505-acre property known as Granogue located in New Castle County, DE along the scenic Brandywine River. The New Castle County property is now known as Longwood at Granogue.

Redman has worked in the field of public horticulture for more than 30 years. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards including the American Public Gardens Association, where he served as board president. In addition, he is a founding co-chair for Seed Your Future, a national initiative to promote awareness and careers in horticulture. Redman received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Horticulture from Oklahoma State University where he was recognized in 2017 as a Distinguished Alumnus by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Also, he was recognized for his extraordinary contributions to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden (Columbus, Ohio) with the 2006 Ann Islay Wolfe Award.