Sonoma Botanical Garden has appointed André ten Dam as director of business operations, and Dina Howard as associate director of people operations, moves aimed at strengthening the organization’s internal infrastructure during a time of growth, according to a recent announcement.
André ten Dam, Director of Business Operations, Sonoma Botanical Garden. (Courtesy of Sonoma Botanical Garden)
After a career in corporate banking, Netherlands native ten Dam emigrated to the United States in 2010 to pursue mission-driven work connecting people with the natural world, according to the Jan. 30 announcement.
He spent 13 years at Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island in Washington state, most recently as director of operations, according to the nonprofit organization’s press release.
In her new role, Howard will support staff growth during a period of expansion – growing from 12 to 17 employees in two years – while helping build systems for long-term sustainability, according to the announcement.
Howard’s background includes expertise in people operations, organizational development and workplace culture, both in the arts and nonprofit leadership, according to the announcement.
Dina Howard in February 2026 was been named associate director of people operations at Sonoma Botanical Garden. (Photo courtesy Sonoma Botanical Garden)
She has worked with Transcendence Theatre Company and across other organizations focused on theater, fine arts, mediation, literacy and mentoring, the press release stated.
Howard holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an MBA in nonprofit management from American Jewish University.
Sonoma Botanical Garden has also added Martin Cassell to its board of trustees. Cassell is chief financial officer and principal of Chandler Asset Management, where he has served for 15 years.
Martin Cassell, Member, Board of Trustees, Sonoma Botanical Garden (Courtesy of Sonoma Botanical Garden)
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