AT THE GARDEN — Senior staff

Sophia Siskel serves as president and CEO of the Chicago Botanic Garden. The Garden's main campus welcomes nearly 800,000 visitors each year to its 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens and 61 acres of lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. The Garden is a world leader in plant conservation science, the nation's finest teaching garden, and is actively engaged in urban horticulture and jobs training through the Green Youth Farm and Windy City Harvest, projects in downtown Chicago.

Sophia joined the Garden in 2006 as vice president of visitor programs and operations and was promoted in 2007. Prior to her tenure at the Garden, Sophia served for eight years at The Field Museum, most recently serving as vice president of exhibition and education, and formerly served in curatorial positions at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, and The Art Institute of Chicago.

Sophia holds an M.B.A. in finance and accounting from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, and an M.A. in art history from the University of Chicago. She earned her B.A. in art history and economics from Wellesley College.

Crain’s Chicago Business has named Sophia one of Chicago’s “40 Under 40” and “Women to Watch.” Among other media profiles, she has been featured on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight and 848 on WBEZ. Sophia serves on the board of directors of The Arts Club of Chicago and Chicago Wilderness and is a member of the Economic Club, The Chicago Network, and Young Presidents’ Organization, among other affiliations.