At City Parks Alliance’s June Board of Directors meeting in Seattle, WA, the board elected three new members. The board also elected a new co-chair and other officers, while recognizing the service of several board members who are term-limited.
Three New Members Elected to Board of Directors
Alexa Bush (Detroit, MI) is a program officer with The Kresge Foundation’s Detroit Program. Alexa supports investments in transformative public spaces in the city of Detroit that promote greater understanding and inclusion, as well as strategies that advance the interconnections between sustainable urban development and economic equity. She joined the foundation in 2021.
Previously, Alexa served as Urban Design Director-East Region at the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department, where she was involved with planning and developing inclusive economic recovery efforts in partnership with residents. She implemented work through the Strategic Neighborhood Fund and led Detroit’s Reimagining the Civic Commons initiative in the Fitzgerald neighborhood in northwest Detroit. Alexa has also held positions with SmithGroup and San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR).
She earned a bachelor’s degree in visual and environmental studies from Harvard University and a master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Virginia. Alexa serves on the board of the Landscape Architecture Foundation.
Eric Landau (New York, NY) serves as President of Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation. Eric leads the ongoing success of the Park, oversees its daily operations, and fosters its long-term stability. Eric previously served as a deputy commissioner at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) where he oversaw public affairs and communications. Prior to joining DEP, Eric was Vice President of Government and External Affairs and Special Assistant to the President for the Prospect Park Alliance, where he was responsible for building and strengthening Prospect Park’s public relations.
Eric holds a Master’s in Public Administration from The George Washington University and a B.A. from the State University of New York at Binghamton.
Adena Long (Portland, OR) serves as Director of Portland Parks & Recreation. She was appointed to the role in 2019, bringing over 25 years of experience in the parks and recreation industry and in management. In her role, she manages one of the country’s most comprehensive and diverse park systems. With nearly 3,000 employees in peak season and an annual budget of $550 million, Director Long is committed to advancing recreation, environmental stewardship, youth workforce development, community engagement, and fostering public-private partnerships. Her tenure has been characterized by a strong focus on inclusivity, equity, and accessibility, reflecting her belief that parks are vital to the community’s health and well-being.
A native of New York, Director Long started her career at the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation as a seasonal Urban Park Ranger in 1997. Director Long steadily moved up the ranks, and in 2010 became the first woman of color and youngest-ever to serve as Parks Borough Commissioner. During her tenure at the department, Director Long also served in the citywide capacity of Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.
Director Long holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Connecticut’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources and a Master of Science in Non-Profit Management from The New School University.
New Co-Chair, Officers Elected
The Board of Directors also elected Happy Haynes as the new board co-chair, replacing Maria Nardi who has completed her three-year term in the role and will remain on the board’s Executive Committee. Happy Haynes will serve alongside Mitchell Silver, who is currently co-chair.
Additionally, Carlos Perez was elected Secretary and Karen Mauney-Brodek as an At-Large member of the Executive Committee. Norma García-González was elected the new co-chair of the Conference and Research Committee.
The board thanked Phil Myrick, who previously served as Secretary, and Maria Nardi for their service in leadership roles.
Board Gives Thanks to Long-Serving Members
The City Parks Alliance also bid a fond farewell to two long-serving members who are term-limited off the board.
Sarah Early served on the board for nine years. She served as Program Committee co-chair, hosted us in Detroit for a board meeting, and more recently has led the board giving campaign. She also played a key role in strengthening our relationship with Detroit and the parks and philanthropic community there.
Christopher Williams served on the board for nine years. He has supported City Parks Alliance in many leadership roles, including board co-chair, and led the most recent strategic planning process. Christopher, as a Deputy Superintendent with Seattle Parks and Recreation, played a vital role in the programming and planning for Greater & Greener 2024, held this June in Seattle.
