Transition reflects continued focus on growth, collaboration, and mission impact
Boston, MA — [2/6/26] — Homegrown National Park (HNP), a nonprofit organization catalyzing people to plant native and remove invasive plant species to restore and protect the natural systems that support all life, today announced the appointment of Dee Salomon as board president, continuing the organization’s increasing momentum and mission. A current board member and longtime advocate for native plant restoration, Salomon steps into the role as co-founder Michelle Alfandari continues her service as an active board member.
Salomon brings a distinguished background in marketing, media, and strategic consulting that will support HNP’s communications, partnerships, and organizational clarity. Her career includes roles at Condé Nast Inc., Donna Karan International, and the consulting firm MediaLink, where she advised Fortune 500 companies on navigating digital transformation and evolving business landscapes.
Salomon has long been a passionate advocate for woodland restoration and native plants. She writes a monthly column, “The Ungardener,” for The Lakeville Journal and regularly speaks to community groups about her hands-on work removing invasive species and restoring native habitat on the 15 acres surrounding her home in West Cornwall, Connecticut.
Salomon’s commitment to this work is deeply personal,
“I’ve been actively engaged in restoration projects like removing invasive plants for years, but it wasn’t until I heard Doug Tallamy explain the relationship between native plants, insects, and birds that I fully understood how critical native plants are to life itself,” said Salomon. “Working with Doug, Michelle, Tim, and the HNP team allows me to advance a critical mission that I am already deeply committed to. Together, the board and staff have built a global organization that works every day to further this urgent mission and I’m honored to help guide this next chapter of growth.”
Doug Tallamy, co-founder of Homegrown National Park, welcomed Salomon’s appointment.
“Michelle has been the driving force behind Homegrown National Park from the start, and I’m deeply grateful for her vision, leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment,” Tallamy said. “I am excited to welcome Dee Salomon as our new board president. She brings the perfect combination of experience, insight, and enthusiasm to help HNP meet its goals and expand its impact.”
Tim Snyder, Executive Director of Homegrown National Park, noted that the leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the organization.
“Dee brings a powerful blend of ecological understanding, creative communication, and grassroots energy,” Snyder said. “Her leadership will help us deepen local engagement, grow our biodiversity map, and inspire more people to plant native species, remove invasives, and restore the living systems that support all life.”