Longwood Gardens announced the appointment of Andres Ambriz as Chief Horticulture & Facilities Officer. In this key leadership role, Ambriz will lead a team of more than 200 and guide strategic efforts across horticulture, facilities, capital projects, land management, sustainability, and long-term planning. He is succeeding long-time horticulture and facilities leader Sharon Loving, who is retiring after 43 years of service at Longwood.

Ambriz brings more than 25 years of experience overseeing large-scale facilities, capital projects, and operations across nonprofit and for-profit institutions. Previously, he served as Chief Infrastructure Officer at Space Center Houston, where he oversaw a broad portfolio including capital planning and projects, facilities maintenance, event operations, campus security, and safety and led the development of a long-term facilities strategic plan. 

Prior to his role at Space Center Houston, Ambriz spent 24 years with United Parks and Resorts, formerly SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, most recently as Vice President of Global Operations. From 2016 to 2022, he served as Operations Director for Global Theme Park Development, leading the design and delivery of new park concepts worldwide, including the launch of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in 2023.

“Andres brings exceptional strategic vision, operational expertise, and an essential understanding of multi-site institutions,” said Paul B. Redman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Longwood Gardens. “His experience will be instrumental as Longwood continues to innovate and advance our mission.” 

Ambriz joins Longwood as the organization begins contemplating future phases of its long-range, visionary site master plan for the nearly 1,200 acre property in Chester County, following the successful completion of Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience, as well as the stewardship and activation for its site in New Castle County, Del., Longwood at Granogue, a 505-acre cultural landscape in Wilmington. Longwood’s vision for Longwood at Granogue is to preserve its natural beauty while creating opportunities for community engagement that honor the landscape’s legacy and ecological importance.

“It is an honor to join Longwood Gardens at this important moment,” said Ambriz. “I look forward to collaborating with the extraordinary staff across Longwood and Longwood at Granogue to shape the spaces and experiences that will inspire guests for generations to come.”