(Manteo, N.C., March 17, 2022) – The Elizabethan Gardens announces that Theresa M. Armendarez has been hired as executive director of the long-loved Outer Banks attraction.
“We are pleased to have found a new executive director with strong connections to the Outer Banks,” remarks Linda Davenport president of The Elizabethan Gardens Board of Directors. “It is also fitting that Armendarez’ career has been aligned with many of the same tenets of our mission statement: sharing a unique history, providing educational opportunities, enhancing the quality of the visitor experience and preserving beauty and tranquility.”
“I appreciate the confidence placed in me, and am excited to work with a dedicated board, knowledgeable staff, and a supportive community to preserve the beauty of The Gardens, and to build upon its incredible 71-year legacy,” says Armendarez. “Creating new educational experiences about our unique environment and history is what truly excites me about this opportunity.” With a background in non-profit management and experience in education she is well suited for this endeavor.
The Gardens has inspired and humbled Armendarez. “Walking the paths of The Elizabethan Gardens for the first-time years ago left an indelible impression – the elaborate design and dedication to its ongoing care was apparent, and its setting against the shores of Roanoke Sound – striking.” She adds, “The Gardens’ history and importance to the Outer Banks community as one of its key cultural attractions is what makes my appointment as the new executive director incredibly humbling, and an honor.”
Speaking on behalf of the search committee and the board, Davenport concludes: “We are confident in Theresa and how she will fit seamlessly into our mission and vision at The Gardens and look forward to working with her.”
About The Elizabethan Gardens
The Elizabethan Gardens was adopted as a project of The Garden Club of North Carolina in 1951. After seven decades, their inspired vision and oversight has grown into a testament to the women who adopted the project and the valiant Elizabethan explorers it was intended to honor. The Gardens is dedicated to sharing its unique history, providing educational opportunities, enhancing the quality of the visitor experience and preserving the beauty and tranquility of The Elizabethan Gardens. The attraction is located on the north end of Roanoke Island at 1411 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954. For more information on happenings at The Elizabethan Gardens call 252.473-3234 or visit elizabethangardens.org.
