The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden has hired Azure Christensen as its director of philanthropy. Christensen will lead fundraising as the organization looks to expand again. A veteran of Central Iowa nonprofit work, Christensen most recently worked as executive director of the EveryStep Foundation, with annual revenues of $2.5 million. She has worked as senior director of development at the Iowa State University Foundation, director of development for the Blank Park Zoo Foundation and the director of development for Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa. “As a Des Moines native, I’m excited to join an iconic organization with not only a proud history, but also a bright future,” she said. Christensen was also a 2017 Business Record Forty Under 40 honoree and has served on the boards of various organizations including Hoyt Sherman Place and the Johnston Community School Foundation. Botanical Garden President and CEO Stephanie Jutila said the hire will be a key move as the organization plans expansion. “Azure brings a rich tapestry of fundraising experience and a passion for making greater Des Moines the best it can be,” Jutila said. “We are on the cusp of a new strategic plan and upcoming site master plan, both of which expand the Garden’s experiences and spaces. This is the perfect time for Azure’s philanthropic leadership to increase the Garden’s diversity and relevance, and achieve great things for our community and beyond.”