Administrative Staff

Michael Hoke

Managing Director

Michael is the first managing director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, having joined the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation on August 1, 2002. Since that time, he has contributed his vast knowledge and expertise in the areas of environmental and educational issues in furthering and facilitating the development of the new Shangri La by the Stark Foundation.

Michael holds advance degrees in science, education and educational supervision. For more than 30 years prior to his association with the Stark Foundation, Michael served as an educator, teaching students from pre-K to college levels. Since 1978, he has originated and directed programs related to science and the environment. Several of these programs are currently sponsored by Shangri La. His management experience also includes facilitating programs at several major universities through N.S.F. grants and summer institutes.

Michael’s objective is for Shangri La to become one of the finest botanical gardens and nature centers in the nation. Its mission of "mentoring children of all ages to be kind to their world", will allow Shangri La to make a positive impact on horticulture and environmental education throughout the United States.