Nocatee resident joins Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens as executive director

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Nocatee resident Diane Machaby has recently been hired as the executive director of the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens (JAG).  

“We’re excited to have Diane on board, and we are certain her experience in the community will prove to be a valuable asset for the Arboretum moving forward in obtaining support and funding for several programming, garden enhancements and construction initiatives we have planned over the next few years,” JAG Board President Ron Whittington said.

In interviews with several potential candidates, JAG’s executive search committee and board of directors selected Machaby for her fundraising expertise and her proven experience in assisting nonprofit agencies transition from board-driven to staff-driven management.    

Machaby has an extensive background of 25 years on the First Coast working with charities and nonprofits across Northeast Florida. She has called the First Coast home since 1988 and has cultivated a career from her passion for serving others in the community.

Machaby previously worked with the Keep Jacksonville Beautiful Commission, Habitat for Humanity and Home Again St. Johns. 

Through her previous experience in grant writing and fundraising, she has helped generate over $6 million in revenue by initiating partnerships with individuals, corporations and government entities.  

In her work with Habitat for Humanity, Machaby coordinated the efforts of thousands of volunteers and sponsors to build 800 homes in Jacksonville and St. Augustine.  

Prior to joining JAG, Machaby co-founded Art 4 Charities, LLC — an organization that sells high-quality reproductions of artwork and photographs for local charities to use in their fundraising efforts.