Introducing our new Executive Director--Jack Phillips!

The Portland Parks Conservancy is excited to announce that we have named Jack Phillips to serve as our new Executive Director.

“The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Jack as our second Executive Director. Nan Cumming has brought Portland Parks Conservancy from inception five years ago to its present role as a valued partner in this city. In Jack Phillips we have a new leader who we are confident can continue to expand park equity and our impact and contributions to Portland..” - Anna Ginn, President, Board of Directors, Portland Parks Conservancy

Jack joins the Conservancy following the retirement of Nan Cumming, who was hired in 2018 and led the organization through its formation and signature successes to date, including the creation of the Portland Youth Corps and our volunteer coordination programs, revitalization efforts at Riverton Trolley Park and North Deering Park, and the establishment of a new Portland Harbor Common on the eastern waterfront.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to have the opportunity to build on the impressive foundation laid by Nan, the Board, and many others as the Conservancy’s second Executive Director. In the coming years, I look forward to working with the City and other partners to carry out the Conservancy’s existing commitments, undertake new initiatives that strengthen Portland’s parks and recreational programs, and grow the philanthropic community dedicated to this essential work.” - Jack Phillips

Jack brings nearly twenty years of nonprofit management and fundraising experience to the Conservancy. Most recently, Jack served as Director of Advancement of the Maine Island Trail Association, where he contributed to a period of record growth in fundraising and membership. Prior to moving to Maine in 2014, Jack worked in fundraising roles in a variety of nonprofit settings in Connecticut and New York. He earned his Masters of Public Administration from New York University and a B.A. from Colby College in Waterville.

The Portland Parks Conservancy has been a breath of fresh air for the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department, and a major benefit to the City of Portland. Because of their existence and hard work, we have been able to tap into millions of dollars of federal funding, grants, and philanthropic support that we would not otherwise have the resources to pursue. I am really looking forward to working with Jack as he takes the helm from the extremely capable Nan Cumming, and we will dive headfirst into our many ongoing programs and projects. - Ethan Hipple, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department, City of Portland

Jack and Nan will overlap for a transition period beginning in November with plans for Jack’s full time leadership beginning in the new year.