Longwood Gardens
Shawn Kister has extensive work experience in horticultural operations, grounds management, and lawn care. Shawn started their career in 1994 as an Applicator at Kings Custom Lawn Care and later became the Manager of Moyers Lawn Service, where they significantly grew the customer base. In 1988, they joined Lancaster Country Club as the Third Assistant Superintendent. In 1999, they joined Longwood Gardens as the Director of Grounds and led various teams responsible for turfgrass, arborist, nursery, and night gardener. Shawn played a key role in developing Longwood's Turfgrass Management Program and Tree Management Plan. In 2021, Shawn became the Director of Horticultural Operations at Longwood Gardens, where they coordinated operations with other departments and oversaw arboriculture, turfgrass, IPM, and woody plant production teams. Shawn later became the Associate Vice President of Horticultural Operations, leading multiple departments. Shawn is also a member of Delaware Grounds Management Association and Ohio Turfgrass Council.
Shawn Kister attended Penn State University from 1991 to 1995, where they earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy.
Longwood Gardens
In 1906, industrialist Pierre du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Throughout his life, Mr. du Pont indulged his passion for gardening, turning his farm into a magnificent horticultural showplace. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the great gardens of the world, encompassing 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ and a 4-acre grand Conservatory. Longwood continues the mission set forth by Mr. du Pont to bring joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Longwood Gardens offers a breadth of mission programming that includes exhibitions, musical performances by top artists, renowned horticulture education programs, horticulture research, environmental stewardship and cultural and community engagement.