Carol Kendra

As Chief Operating Officer at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Carol Kendra provides strategic oversight for daily operations, guest experience, programming and long-term planning across the organization’s 158-acre campus.

Carol was hired in 2024 to fill a new position of Chief Operating Officer to strengthen internal infrastructure and sustainability, especially as Meijer Gardens entered a new era of growth following its $115 million capital campaign. She brought a wealth of experience in strategic development and community engagement from her role as Vice President of Business Development, Strategic Growth, and Engagement at The Henry Ford (museum) in Dearborn, Michigan, where she spearheaded initiatives that increased attendance, membership and revenue. She also helped rebrand the cultural institution, elevating it from a local outing to an international destination.

Carol has led transformative initiatives at Meijer Gardens that have expanded accessibility, engaged diverse audiences and elevated Meijer Gardens’ role as a cultural anchor for West Michigan and beyond. Her leadership was instrumental in launching and scaling ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank, a two-month outdoor light show that transformed winter visitation at Meijer Gardens. She aligned cross-functional internal teams and served as the operational liaison between Meijer Gardens and national partners. Her ability to connect strategic vision with operational precision led to a smooth rollout of the inaugural season that attracted 80,000 visitors, growing it by 18.7 percent in the second year with 95,000 attendees.

Carol also has helped shape Meijer Gardens’ signature seasonal exhibitions by reinforcing a guest-first approach—ensuring each program is welcoming, accessible, and designed for multigenerational audiences. Her leadership has strengthened popular exhibits like Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming, University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions, and MUMS at Meijer Gardens, enabling staff to work more efficiently, anticipate visitor needs, and elevate the guest experience.

Outside of work, Carol is an artist, gardener, and avid traveler—pursuits that reflect her appreciation for beauty, curiosity and connection. Whether exploring new cultures, cultivating her garden, or creating art, she brings the same intentionality, creativity and care to her personal life that she models at work.