The Roger Williams Park Conservancy is delighted to announce the appointment of Bonnie Nickerson as the organization’s new Executive Director. Bonnie brings a wealth of experience in visionary leadership, urban planning and community engagement to this vital role.
As Executive Director, Ms. Nickerson will play a pivotal role in the Conservancy’s mission to protect, preserve, and enhance Roger Williams Park, one of Rhode Island’s most cherished public spaces. She will lead the organization in its efforts to ensure the Park’s sustainability, accessibility, and continued growth, while fostering community engagement and working in partnership with the City of Providence Parks Department.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Roger Williams Park Conservancy,” said Bonnie Nickerson. “Roger Williams Park holds a special place in the hearts of all Providence residents. After 150 years, the Park remains a treasure for generations of Rhode Islanders and visitors from around the region. I am excited to work collaboratively with our partners, stakeholders, and the community to ensure that this beautiful park remains a vibrant place to explore, grow, learn and connect with others. Roger Williams Park plays a vital role in enhancing the health and well-being of all of us, as individuals, and as a community.”
Nickerson holds an undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College and a graduate degree from the University of Rhode Island and has an impressive resume of public sector leadership positions, most recently serving as the Providence City Planning Director, and Executive Director of the Providence Redevelopment Agency.
She has demonstrated an exceptional ability to collaborate, communicate and build partnerships, with a focus on investing in places for people to come together, like the Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge and the RWP Gateway Center. She is looking forward to applying her passion and experience to developing and implementing a new strategic plan, building organizational capacity, expanding partnerships, and engaging with the local community, donors, and supporters of Roger Williams Park.
The Board of Directors at Roger Williams Park Conservancy is excited about the future with Nickerson at the helm. “The entire Board is enthusiastic about this new chapter for the Conservancy and about the phenomenal prospect of growth and continued development of this great organization, and its partnership with an incredible parks department.” Joe Pari, Board Chair.
Wendy Nilsson, Superintendent of Parks offered this warm welcome “The Parks Department is excited to welcome Bonnie Nickerson to this new role and are looking forward to collaborating with Bonnie and the RWPC to make Roger Williams Park even more spectacular for all.”
Email Bonnie at [email protected]
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