May Arboretum Society Board of Directors are elected annually at our all-member meeting, held during the fourth quarter each year.
Lynn Ann Short, President, has more than thirty-five years of experience in health and human services in the private, government and non-profit sectors, and is employed as faculty at the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Community Health Sciences. In 2012, Lynn moved to Reno from Boston, Massachusetts via Mammoth Lakes, California. Lynn holds a graduate degree in public health and has expertise in community-based initiatives, workforce development, policy and advocacy. She also serves in leadership positions for both national and international non-profit organizations, most recently serving as Chair of the Executive Board for the American Public Health Association. She enjoys gardening, especially growing herbs and flowers, and completed the Master Gardener
training program sponsored by UNR’s Cooperative Extension.
training program sponsored by UNR’s Cooperative Extension.
Laura Robertson, Vice President, brings over 25 years of experience in technology, health, and adult education. She is active in community and corporate programs involving wellness and outdoor recreation. As Director of Operations for a global technology company, she is responsible for the design, direction, and implementation of the company's infrastructure. Laura moved from Atlanta to Reno in 2004, and enjoys creative pursuits as a musician, singer/songwriter, and artist. She began volunteering at the Arboretum in 2017 - partnering with staff and volunteers to establish a walking tour program for older adults.
Rod Dimmitt, Treasurer, is currently retired and living in Carson City. He is a former Facility Manager for a 3rd party logistics provider, and the former owner of 2 The UPS Stores, in Carson City and Dayton. He has been a cactus and succulent fan for years, with his front yard dominated by cactus, yuccas and agaves. Rod became involved with the May Arboretum as a volunteer last March, typically working in the gardens 2 days a week. His goal is to help the Arboretum develop a “Native Nevada Succulent” within the gardens that will be incorporated into the Arboretum’s Master Plan.
Victoria Nilson, Secretary, retired in 2017 from teaching literature at a public high school in Belmont, California. She grew up in Oyster Bay, New York, and attended the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and the University of Cape Town, South Africa, where her passion for flora and fauna began. She and her husband relocated to Reno in 2018 after 30 years raising a family in San Carlos, California. Victoria has served on the Plant Sale Committee for the past few years. She loves to hike, travel, a good thrift store, and all botanical gardens — especially the May Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Martin A. David, Director, a child of the Beat Generation, is an Arts Practitioner and author. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he has acted and taught acting, worked as a choreographer and modern dancer as well as directed dance troupes in Europe and the States. I am an Artist whose professional work covers a wide range of disciplines. In addition, his hand made jewelry is sold in boutiques and at art fairs. In 2019, to celebrate his 80th birthday, Martin published his latest book a volume of his favorite poems titled, Voice Versa.
Frances Munoz, Director, has lived in the Reno/Sparks area for the past 28 years. Her professional background is in retail banking and credit union management and has worked at U.S. Bank for the past 7 years as a branch manager. She is an advocate for mental health and animal rights issues. Her love of travel has led her around the world and extensively through the United States. Through her travels she has become passionate about cultural diversity and has developed a sincere and strong love of where she has been fortunate enough to live her life; the United States. Frances enjoys spending time with family, gardening, reading and visiting sports stadiums to cheer on the local teams as she works towards her goal of visiting every major league baseball park.
Horticulturist
Bill Carlos, has served the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden as the horticulturist for close to 15 years. In 2015 and under his leadership, the Arboretum achieved Level II Accreditation though the national Morton Arboretum Arbet Program. Mr. Carlos is also responsible for establishing the Arboretum's Horticulture Volunteer Training Program and completing an assessment of the condition and value of the arboretum. Before coming to the Arboretum, Mr. Carlos served for 21 years as the Horticulture Program Coordinator for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
As needed, Mr. Carlos provides horticultural guidance to the May Arboretum Society to assure that our community events as well as the garden upgrades/projects are appropriate and sustainable due to the diverse weather conditions
experienced in Northern Nevada.
As needed, Mr. Carlos provides horticultural guidance to the May Arboretum Society to assure that our community events as well as the garden upgrades/projects are appropriate and sustainable due to the diverse weather conditions
experienced in Northern Nevada.
