Dear Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy supporter:
I write to you today with bittersweet news to inform you that after almost nine years as the head of Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Stephanie Crockatt informed the board this week that she is taking a new position in Sarasota, FL.
The combination of moving closer to family members and working with a new conservancy led her to this difficult personal and professional decision.
Stephanie’s leadership and achievements are well known to all of you. Under her stewardship, our Olmsted parks are vibrant, healthy and beautiful. And, most importantly, they are magnets for residents to use every day, to walk, run, play golf in and just find peace and relaxation. We will miss her, want to wish her all the best in her next position, and thank her for her dedication and hard work.
I also want to assure you that BOPC is in good condition, with stable finances, a diverse and trained workforce and its oversight of the city’s historic parks is solid. Stephanie will continue with BOPC until May 18 to make sure spring and summer plans are well underway. We are confident that the staff and workforce will manage the demands of park use with their usual skill.
The board will form a search committee and hire a search firm to fill this key vacancy. We expect to appoint a new executive director of this important Buffalo non-profit in the coming months.
There remains much to accomplish that BOPC is involved with. This includes capital projects with the five-year priority plan across the system, Phase 2 of the South Park Arboretum, increasing community engagement through the OCA, and advocating for the Humboldt Parkway and 198’s re-envisioning. These projects, along with sustainability and daily care for the nationally known and award-winning Olmsted parks, will provide a new ED with opportunities for collaboration and creative solutions.
Again, please join me in thanking Stephanie, and wishing her happiness and success in her next venture. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to me at Bart_Kresse@ajg.com.
Sincerely,
Bart Kresse
Board chair
