Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens announces the appointment of Michael Scherger to the newly created vice president of Finance and Infrastructure role. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, Scherger will provide strategic leadership for the Gardens’ financial and physical operations, ensuring continued fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

" As the Gardens continues to grow, we need a leadership team that reflects not only the Gardens of 2025, but also into the future.” Gretchen Ostherr, president and CEO, states. “We are delighted to welcome Michael to the role, where he brings deep experience in financial strategy, facilities oversight, and mission-driven leadership. We are excited to continue to grow our reach and inspire more meaningful connections with nature and promote plant conservation."

As vice president of Finance and Infrastructure, Scherger will oversee all financial, facility, and infrastructure functions for the Gardens, including long-range financial planning, asset preservation, and major capital projects. He will manage the Gardens’ $12 million annual operating budget, lead the development of strategic financial plans, and ensure the security and efficiency of all facilities and technology systems.

Before joining the Gardens, Scherger served as deputy associate director for Learning and Development at the National Park Service, overseeing service-wide learning initiatives and multi-campus operations. He also held senior roles at the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies, where he provided strategic operational oversight, team leadership, and advanced programs across the federal government. Throughout his career, he has volunteered for non-profit organizations; most recently, he completed his tenure as president of the board for the Maricopa County Master Naturalists.

Scherger’s career reflects extensive international experience, including foreign service overseas with the U.S. Peace Corps in Eastern Europe, as well as leadership of Peace Corps operations focused on administrative and operational programs and community capacity-building. An Army veteran and former Peace Corps volunteer, he is deeply committed to service, collaboration, and expanding inclusive access to shared public spaces. He holds a master of public administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and a bachelor of arts in history from the University of California, Riverside.

"I am honored to join Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens at such a pivotal time," said Scherger. "I look forward to working with the talented team to advance the Gardens’ mission, steward its resources, and build a sustainable future for all who visit."