Kristen Bennett joined the Arboretum and Public Garden’s Friends Board of Directors in 2019. She is an alumna of UC Davis, receiving her M.S. degree in plant physiology in 1992 and her Ph.D. in plant biology in 1998. Kristen is also a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program and a member of the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society. She served on the Yolo Land Trust Board of Directors, most recently as Vice President (2009–2014). 

After completing her Ph.D., Kristen worked in the ag biotech industry for close to 20 years, most recently at Second Genome in the Bay Area. After retiring from industry in 2018, she turned her focus to community service and volunteer activities. Kristen has enjoyed the APG for the 30 years she has lived in Davis, from studying there as a graduate student, strolling through it with young kids, to more recently, enjoying its peacefulness during unsettled times. One of her favorite spots to stroll and relax is the Peter Shields Oak Grove in the west side. She also enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and Zoom happy hours with friends and family.