The Charleston Parks Conservancy has expanded its leadership by forming a new advisory council and adding three board members. This growth highlights the organization’s continued dedication to its mission of connecting the Charleston community with its parks, gardens and trails while fostering vibrant, well-maintained public spaces.
The newly formed advisory council, composed of experts in environmental science, urban planning, community development, and other fields, will provide specialized guidance on how the Conservancy serves our city as it grows and changes. Working alongside the board of directors, which focuses on governance, strategic direction, and resource development, the advisory council will offer fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to help shape strategic initiatives and ensure the Conservancy continues to meet the evolving needs of the Charleston community.
“This expanded leadership team is a reflection of our vision for Charleston’s parks and the role they play in creating thriving, connected communities,” said Darlene Heater, CEO and executive director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “With the expertise and dedication of our advisory council and board of directors, we are positioned better than ever to responsibly steward these beloved public spaces while charting a forward-thinking path for the future.”
The Charleston Parks Conservancy welcomes three new members to its board in 2025, each bringing unique expertise and a shared passion for improving Charleston’s public spaces.
New Board of Directors Members in 2025:
- Lisa Field – Professional Photographer and Nonprofit Advocate
- Angela Johnson – Director of Health, Trident United Way
- Leonardo D. Reeder – Retired U.S. Army Officer and Facilities Management Business Owner
- Returning Members: Ross Appel, George Bullwinkel, Jessica Gibadlo (board chair), Mary Tilt Hammond, Sean Holleran, Greer Hostetter, Jason Kronsberg, Charles “Charley” McLendon (chair emerita), Harry Lesesne, Darla Moore (chair emerita), Rev. Matthew Rivers, Katharine “Kitty” Robinson, Alysann Sieren, Amanda Slade, Sean Sykes and Leslie Turner.
The 2025 Advisory Council includes the following members, who will meet quarterly to provide guidance on the Conservancy’s initiatives and deepen community ties:
- Zach Bearden – Principal, Origin Development Partners
- Elizabeth “Liz” Dieck – Chief of Staff, City of Charleston
- Marlon Kimpson – Attorney, Motley Rice LLC
- Casey Lavin – President, Beemok Hospitality Collection
- M. Anthony McAlister Jr. – Founder and President, McAlister Development Company
- Charles “Charley” McLendon – Managing Principal and Owner, Laurens Capital Advisors
- Scott Parker – Co-founder, DesignWorks
- Mike Seekings – Charleston City Councilmember, District 8
- Doug Warner – Executive Vice President, Explore Charleston
For more information about the board, advisory council, and Charleston Parks Conservancy’s initiatives, visit charlestonparksconservancy.org and follow the Conservancy on social media.
