Slayton brings years of service to Arboretum

By Juliette Coulter

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has named Amber Slayton as chief operating officer. A Texas native, she brings a passion for gardens and for the City of Dallas and its vibrant cultural community.

Slayton has spent more than two decades practicing local government law, most notably establishing and leading an in-house legal department as City Attorney for North Point, Fla. In this role, she provided legal representation for the city commission, city manager, city clerk, all city departments and city advisory boards and committees. During her tenure, she earned a reputation as a dedicated public servant who built partnerships between the public and private sectors and steadfastly advocated for her community. Previously, she was an attorney practicing in Dallas. 

As Dallas Arboretum COO, Slayton will assist the president and chief executive officer by monitoring and providing oversight for general organizational direction and planning, sensitive timeline compliance, major projects, and city and community issues related to the Arboretum. 

Slayton’s community service commitments, among others, have included serving on the board of directors for the Florida Center for Early Childhood and for Operation Kindness, North Texas’ oldest and largest no-kill animal shelter. She earned a J.D. from Baylor University and a B.A. in Communications and Political Science from Southwest Baptist University. 

“I’m thrilled to return to Dallas where I practiced law for more than a decade and built lasting connections,” said Amber Slayton. “I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for leadership to help drive Dallas Arboretum growth and make a meaningful impact.”

Slayton will assume her responsibilities on October 15.