Chicago Botanic Garden names new president and CEO

GLENCOE, Ill. (AP) - The Chicago Botanic Garden has named a Chicago native to serve as its next president and CEO.

The garden's board of directors said in a news release Friday that Jean Franczyk will take over effective April 1.

Franczyk grew up on Chicago's South Side and is a graduate of the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago. She's lived for the past decade in London, where she's now deputy director of the Science Museum in London.

Board Chairman Robert Finke says Franczyk will bring "strong science, education and public programs" to the botanic garden. He says she's well-positioned to improve the garden's reputation in the U.S. and overseas.

The gardens are located in the Chicago suburb of Glencoe.