The Olmsted Parks Conservancy Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Mary Grissom as the new President and CEO, effective May 15, 2025. Grissom succeeds former President and CEO Layla George, who stepped down in January of this year.
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Grissom was selected after a nationwide search by Potrero Group and comes to the Conservancy with 20 years of experience in philanthropy, public policy and community engagement. Grissom has held leadership positions in local government, nonprofits, and philanthropy in Boston, MA and Louisville, KY. Most recently, she worked with donors and community to increase philanthropic investment in Louisville, KY, including the development of Invest Louisville, a local impact investment offering at the Community Foundation of Louisville. At Metro United Way, Grissom engaged over 26,000 volunteers in regional events while earning wins for childcare and early childhood education in the state. She is a Louisville native ‘boomerang’ who lives near Cherokee Park and loves the diverse footprint of our Olmsted Park System.
“I am deeply honored to steward the jewel that is Louisville’s Olmsted Park System into its next chapter. Our parks improve mental and health outcomes, nurture more peaceful communities, and more resilient families. They are the lungs of our city, with positive environmental benefits. Our Olmsted Parks give the restorative power of nature every day to thousands of Louisvillians and I am ‘all in’ to champion and steward these unique treasures for our people and place,” Grissom said.
When Grissom takes office in May, she will spearhead the mission of the nonprofit to restore, enhance and forever protect Louisville’s Olmsted-designed parks and parkways, connecting nature and neighborhood while strengthening the community’s well-being. Working as a nonprofit partner to Louisville Parks and Recreation, Olmsted Parks Conservancy raises private funds to match city investment, activates the parks with community events and enhances biodiversity in natural areas.
“With thanks to the Potrero Group, particularly Jena Kuznik and her team, we are so pleased to welcome Mary to the leadership of the Conservancy. Her passion for parks and community, combined with her extensive experience and natural inquisitiveness, make us confident that she is well suited to lead us into the next level of our mission to restore, enhance and forever protect these amazing parks.” – Gwen Tilton, Olmsted Parks Conservancy Board Chair
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