Barbara Whitney Carr

Barbara Whitney Carr

Years: 

1942–

Year Hutchinson Medal awarded:

2007

President & CEO, Chicago Botanic Garden (1995–2007); former Executive Director & President, Lincoln Park Zoo

Barbara Whitney Carr is a nonprofit leader, public‑garden visionary, and conservation advocate. She is recognized as a transformative leader whose strategic vision elevated the Chicago Botanic Garden into one of the nation’s premier public gardens. Her legacy spans major campus expansions, rigorous scientific and academic partnerships, and national leadership in conservation and public‑garden governance. She remains an influential figure in American horticulture and nonprofit stewardship.

Key Contributions:

Board member

  • The Everglades Foundation
  • The Garden Conservancy
  • Chicago Botanic Garden
  • Lake Forest College

Other Major Honors:

  • American Public Gardens Association Award of Merit (2007) — APGA’s highest honor
  • Numerous awards across her career, including recognition from the Chicago Cancer Research Foundation, the Direct Mail Marketing Association, and the Girl Scouts of America