Bio: Drew Becher
President of PHS
Drew Becher became the 36th President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in June 2010. Under his leadership, PHS has initiated the Plant One Million campaign to restore the region’s tree canopy; expanded the City Harvest program, which provides fresh produce to more than 1,000 families in need each week during the growing season; initiated the PHS Pop-Up projects; and introduced exciting new features at the Philadelphia International Flower Show.
Becher had been Executive Director of the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), which was founded by entertainer and environmentalist Bette Midler in 1995. Becher led the non-profit NYRP since 2006, and during his tenure was a respected leader in the city’s greening and beautification initiatives.
In 2007, Becher and NYRP partnered with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to launch MillionTreesNYC, which has led to the planting of more than 375,000 trees in New York City’s five boroughs to date. Becher was also responsible for raising millions in revenue for capital projects; revamping NYRP’s environmental educational programs for more than 10,000 children in underserved communities; and expanding the organization’s programs for community gardeners and volunteers.
Becher led nearly 100 staffers and 37 AmeriCorps members in 10 departments in one of New York’s most successful and forward-thinking environmental organizations. In addition to creating a corporate giving program that increased funding by 250 percent, he raised more than $6 million for capital projects to rejuvenate 55 community gardens on 140 acres of land.
He previously served as Deputy Director of Washington, D.C.’s Office of Planning (2004-06), where he led the creation of the Department of Environment, and before that was associate director of the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation.
Becher also served as Chief of Staff for the Chicago Park District (1996-2004) and Assistant to Mayor. He helped forge Mayor Richard M. Daley’s acclaimed environmental and beautification agenda that contributed to Chicago’s recent placement on the Forbes list of the world’s most beautiful cities. Becher created and led many of the initiatives that are now hallmarks of Chicago’s urban renaissance.
Becher currently serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Executive Committee of Greater Philadelphia Gardens, and on the boards of the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Rodale Institute, Philadelphia Parkway Council Foundation, and City Parks Alliance. He is also the recipient of the University of Cincinnati Kautz Alumni Masters Award.
PHS, the nation’s first horticultural society, founded in 1827, motivates and inspires people to improve the quality of life and transform their communities through horticulture. PHS’s signature initiatives – the Philadelphia International Flower Show, City Harvest and Plant One Million – uphold a tradition of quality horticulture, sustainable community development, and floral and landscape design that inspires gardeners throughout the nation.
For more information Contact:
Alan Jaffe at 215-988-8833
