When you talk with our President, Donna Jo, her deep reverence for nature and her infectious sense of humor are immediately obvious. From her childhood summer roots to leading our organization with purpose, Donna Jo brings both heart and proven leadership to the Master Gardeners of Davidson County.

Roots & Reflection

Donna Jo’s gardening journey started at just eight years old during summer stays with her Aunt Frances and Uncle George. She spent those long, sun-soaked weeks planting potatoes, beans, and watermelons, feeding chickens, calling cows in from the pasture, and hunting for eggs high atop hay bales.

That early immersion sparked a lifelong belief that humanity has an inherent, inescapable need to be connected to nature: to be in the soil, in the sun, and among the flowers with the bees.

While she adores flowers of every variety, lilies hold a special place in her heart for the breathtaking, natural symmetry found deep inside their blooms. If you look for her favorite spot in Nashville, you won't find it on a map, it's tucked away in her own backyard.

"I have an old folding metal chair behind Aunt Frances' climbing roses, beside the 'Lizard Hotel' - a woodpile they use for sunning - and in front of the Rose of Sharon bushes," Donna Jo shares.

Beyond the garden, Donna Jo holds a worldly past: she studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France, during college. She returned so immersed in the culture that her mother noted she was completely changed - and she even struggled to speak English for the first few days back home!

Resilience & Vision for MGofDC

Donna Jo’s path to becoming a Master Gardener is a testament to her persistence. After completing chemotherapy for breast cancer, she sought something meaningful to help rebuild her mind and body. She stumbled upon the MG website, read every document posted, and knew immediately she had found her tribe.

Though she wasn't accepted the first time she applied for the training class, she persevered, applied again for the Class of 2024, and was hooked by the third lesson.

Now as President, she brings top-tier leadership experience to the table. Having simultaneously served as a Master Trainer and Human Resources Director for Starwood Hotels and Resorts, she leads with a core philosophy borrowed from Stephen Covey: "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." She combines these sharp communication skills with a belief that laughter is good for the soul, bringing joy and humor into every aspect of her work.

Her ambition for our organization is clear and bold:

• A First-Choice Resource: Position MGofDC as the primary authority on gardening and nature in our city, the first place people think to look, and the definitive final answer they need.

• Community Impact: Ensure the title "Master Gardener" carries deep meaning and prestige across our local communities.

• Member Empowerment: Create dynamic opportunities for members to share their unique talents, skills, and flowers with others.