VENUS, Fla. — In one of her first major initiatives as Archbold’s newly appointed Executive Director, Dr. Jen Owen has unveiled a refreshed organizational structure designed to enhance collaboration, strengthen scientific leadership, and expand the organization’s impact across Florida and beyond. The update reflects a bold step forward as Archbold positions itself for its next chapter of growth and innovation. 

A central component of this restructure is the creation of a new Director of Science position, to be filled by longtime Archbold scientist Dr. Betsey Boughton, currently Archbold’s Agroecology Program Director. This new role is dedicated to strengthening and advancing Archbold’s scientific mission while fostering deeper integration across the organization’s renowned research programs.

As Director of Science, Boughton will work closely with science Program Directors to identify synergies across teams, build strategic partnerships with external science and conservation organizations, and guide high‑level grant opportunities that span multiple programs. This strategic alignment will help Archbold address increasingly complex ecological challenges and conservation opportunities across the region.

“Science is the foundation of Archbold—it’s why we exist and why our work matters,” Owen said. “Creating a Director of Science position allows us to better support our scientists, strengthen collaboration across programs, and ensure that our science continues to be rigorous, impactful, and nationally and internationally relevant."

Boughton has led Archbold’s Agroecology Program at Buck Island Ranch for 15 years, securing more than $13.7 million in grant funding during her tenure. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in statewide conservation and land‑management efforts. In addition to Director of Science responsibilities, she will continue to direct the Agroecology Program with expanded staff support.

The restructuring also brings a renewed focus to public engagement. Education, communications, and philanthropy will now be unified under a newly established External Engagement division, led by Tahlia Warrick, who has been appointed Director of External Engagement. This alignment strengthens all Archbold’s public-facing efforts—events, K-12 programming, multimedia content, field trips, tours, community partnerships, and more—under a cohesive strategy to broaden community connection and impact.

Owen emphasized that the reorganization marks an exciting turning point for the nonprofit, which now employs roughly 85 staff.

"Archbold has grown significantly in both scale and complexity,” Owen said. “As we grow, it’s essential that our internal structure grows with us—not by adding bureaucracy, but by adding leadership and support where it matters most. This structure is designed to help our scientists and educators do their best work, while positioning Archbold to meet the challenges ahead."

With these changes, Archbold enters a new era—one designed to strengthen and advance our scientific mission and increase our scientific impact, and a renewed commitment to engaging the public in the vital work of conservation.