Selby Gardens Employee Named Young Professional Of The Year

SARASOTA, FL — A Marie Selby Botanical Gardens employee was honored by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Sarasota Young Professionals Group Friday.

Ross Johnston, manager of visitor engagement at the botanical gardens, was named the 2021 Young Professional of the Year.

The two other finalists for the award were Jade Davis with Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP and Lauren Tominelli with Sarasota County government. The award was presented by Kerkering, Barberio & Co., according to a news release from the chamber.

“This award recognizes individuals, age 40 and younger, in Sarasota who have demonstrated outstanding leadership personally, professionally and in our community,” the chamber said.
Johnston became a member of the YPG in 2018 and joined the YPG council in 2019. He currently serves as the membership chair.

“Ross takes extreme pride in connecting individuals and organizations that would benefit from a mutual relationship,” according to the chamber. “Creating a sense of community in Sarasota is important to him to help everyone involved take advantage of what the city has to offer."

According to his LinkedIn profile, Johnston has worked at the Selby gardens since April. Prior to this, he worked at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium as a marine science virtual learning education specialist for nearly three years. He has nine years of experience in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.