From GM to gardens: Rotary Gardens has a new executive director
JANESVILLE — A retired General Motors production superintendent is the new executive director of Rotary Gardens.
David Jennings, 55, will take over the post on Monday, March 16.
Jennings will replace Gary Smith, who has served as volunteer interim executive director since June.
“David has a lot of experience with people; he’s positive, very upbeat and knows the community well,” Smith said.
Jennings worked at GM for 31 years and has a bachelor’s degree from UW-Whitewater in business administration.
Smith noted that Jennings doesn’t have “a lot of fundraising” experience, but Rotary Gardens already has a fund development specialist on staff.
“Fundraising is about relationships, and from that perspective, he’s a good choice,” Smith said. “He’ll build on those relationships, and that’s very important.”
Jennings has volunteered at the YMCA, participating in fundraising dances and raffles. He also was the chairman of the Craig Football Boosters, a significant fundraiser and support system for the high school football program.
Although Jennings could retire, he said he feels like he still has a “lot of years” and wants to work, using his management skills.
“I think keeping the gardens going forward during these economic times is going to be the issue,” Jennings said. “I want to look at how to keep current donors and encourage new ones; and maybe there are some new ideas we haven’t considered in the past.”
Jennings lives in Janesville with his wife, Debra. He has two grown sons, Timothy and Steven.
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Feb 24, 2009 at 7:03 a.m.
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Dave Jennings is an outstanding choice for the Rotary Gardens. He has a lot to give to this community and with his people skills he will do a great job of building relationships. Fundraising is a tough thing to do in this economy, so I hope people in this community jump on board and keep the Rotary Gardens strong.
Feb 23, 2009 at 11:49 p.m.
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"more stories like this for out GM workers"
what a sad statement...this guy is a retired superintendent from GM. I wonder what thie list was like for prospective directors...Would have been nice to get some who is layed off from other than GM and qualifications get this job...
Feb 23, 2009 at 5:32 p.m.
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rooster - I am assuming you mean his lawn is nice?
Feb 23, 2009 at 5:14 p.m.
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Congrats Dave. I know you will do a great job!
Feb 23, 2009 at 12:14 p.m.
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The Madison Zoo is subsidized in part by taxpayer money. The Rotary Gardens are not.
Feb 23, 2009 at noon
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good choice. he is probably an expert by now at fertilizing his own yard!!!
Feb 23, 2009 at 11:16 a.m.
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No, there needs to be an admission fee, although I agree, that it should be minimal or affordable by all. If there were no admissions fee then everyone would be complaining that the city's taxpayers are having to support the Gardens, especially when visitors are from outside of Janesville. Practically nothing of value is free anymore, so a few bucks to get in is not going to deter anyone who wants to visit the Gardens from doing so. Although, I think it's pretty neat that the Madison Zoo remains free (for now).
Feb 23, 2009 at 11:01 a.m.
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Good choice! But no, I would not lift the admission fee - keep it minimal though.
Feb 23, 2009 at 10:54 a.m.
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here's an idea... lift the admission fee for the gardens and respect the dream of the man that originally started them up--a free garden for the community to enjoy...
Feb 23, 2009 at 10:52 a.m.
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Let's hope there are more stories like this for our GM workers.
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