Layla George Named President/CEO Of Olmsted Parks Conservancy

Layla George, a Louisville native, joins Olmsted Parks Conservancy as its next President and CEO. George has a broad background in non-profit leadership, fundraising, and land conservation along with experience in farming and the local foods movement.

“Frederick Law Olmsted had a vision for these urban parks to be open and accessible natural areas that should be forever protected and preserved. Olmsted Parks Conservancy has done a magnificent job carrying out this vision and it is an honor to be joining such an important and dynamic organization,” stated George.

Most recently, George served as the Director of Development for Louisville Public Media for five years. During her tenure, she successfully completed a $7 million capital campaign and increased revenue from individuals by 185%.

Vanderbilt University Owen School of Business, in recognition of the increasing importance of non-profit organizations, awarded George a full-tuition scholarship for an MBA degree. She will graduate this spring. She is a member of the Leadership Louisville Class of 2014.

George arrives just as Olmsted Parks Conservancy is ready to implement a new Strategic Plan to strengthen its work to restore, enhance and forever protect the Frederick Law Olmsted Parks and Parkways. The Conservancy has invested more than $35 million to keep these valuable community assets at a high standard.

“Layla’s success in fundraising, her management experience and feedback from all who have worked with her make clear that she is the ideal leader to take the Conservancy into its next critical phase of growth,” said Earl Jones, Olmsted Parks Conservancy Board Chair.

The first day in the office for George will be February 5.