Maymont Names Jill Barry of Houston Botanic Garden as Next President and CEO

Published October 28, 2026 | Written by the Mission Realty Team.

One of Richmond’s best known public spaces has a new leader on the way. As RVAHub reported earlier this month, Maymont has named Jill M. Barry, currently with the Houston Botanic Garden, as its next president and CEO. She is expected to start in early 2027.

Maymont is a major reason many people fall for the neighborhoods around Byrd Park and the Carillon. Here is what was announced and how the park fits into daily life for nearby residents.

What Was Announced

Barry will succeed Parke Richeson, who retired in July after 10 years leading the organization. She comes from the Houston Botanic Garden, a 132-acre site. Maymont is about 100 acres, and it draws more than 800,000 visitors a year. Admission to the grounds is free.

The timing is notable. Maymont is observing its 100th anniversary year, which gives the new leader a milestone to build on from the first day. Official details about her start date and priorities will come from Maymont, so check the Maymont website for updates.

Why Maymont Matters to Nearby Homeowners

For many Richmond buyers, a large free park within walking or biking distance is a deciding factor. Maymont offers formal gardens, a Japanese garden, trails along the James River side of the property and seasonal events, including the holiday lights we covered in our guide to Richmond light shows in 2026.

We also keep a list of Richmond neighborhoods near botanical gardens and Maymont, which sorts areas by how close they are to the park.

Neighborhoods Close to the Park

Maymont sits at the western edge of the Fan and Museum District area. Our Fan guide and Museum District guide describe the housing mix, which includes historic row houses, apartment buildings and single-family homes. Farther west and south, Forest Hill and Stratford Hills offer a different feel, with more yard space.

For the full range of choices, see the City of Richmond community guide.

Parks, Trails and Everyday Life

Living near a major park affects how you spend weekends. Dog owners may want to read our guide to dog-friendly neighborhoods, and cyclists and walkers can look at neighborhoods near the Virginia Capital Trail. Event-goers will find more options on our Richmond events page.

If you are ready to see what is available, browse current listings across the Richmond area.

For visitors planning a trip to the region, Richmond’s official visitor site lists attractions, lodging and seasonal events in one place. Even if you already live here, it is a handy way to find weekend plans that pair well with a walk through the gardens.

A change in leadership is also a reminder of how much of Richmond’s quality of life depends on nonprofit institutions that were built up over generations. Parks, gardens, museums and cultural groups shape what a neighborhood feels like, and they are worth including in your research when you compare areas. Spend an afternoon walking the grounds, then walk the surrounding streets to get a feel for the pace of daily life there.

Leadership changes at a long-loved institution rarely change the neighborhood overnight, but Maymont’s 100th anniversary year is a good moment to explore the park and the streets around it. Our preferred lenders can help you plan a purchase when you find the right place.

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