We are pleased to announce that New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill CEO Grace Elton has been named to the Worcester Business Journal’s 2019 Power 50 list.

The Power 50 list highlights the Central Massachusetts economy’s most influential leaders.

“To make the Power 50, now in its fifth year, professionals must not only be in a position of power, they need to wield it in such a way to have an outsized impact on our business community,” says WBJ editor Brad Kane. “This list shows the Central Mass. business professionals using that power most effectively, from the established players still throwing heat to the fresh faces creating a new impact on the community.”

The WBJ cited Elton’s efforts bringing new ideas, such as Free After Three Thursdays, to help make New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill one of the biggest visitor draws to Central Massachusetts, drawing a record attendance of 151,000 visitors in 2018. The newspaper also recognized Elton’s efforts serving on the boards of the American Public Gardens Association and Worcester Cultural Coalition.

Elton, a native of Florida, began her tenure as New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill CEO in 2017.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to spread the good word about all the exciting things that are happening at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Worcester, and beyond,” Elton said of being named to the Power 50 list. “Now more than ever, people need plants and nature in their lives and I’m so grateful they’re taking advantage of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill’s gardens and programs.”