Longtime leader helped transform the Conservancy into the Park’s chief programming partner, expanding cultural, recreational, and educational offerings for millions of visitors.
BROOKLYN, NY – The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, the park’s chief programming partner and a longtime advocate for its creation and success, announces that Nancy Webster, Executive Director since 2010, will retire in early May after leading the organization through a period of transformative growth and impact.
Under Webster’s leadership, the Conservancy evolved from an advocacy-focused nonprofit into a thriving organization that is now an essential steward of public programming at Brooklyn Bridge Park. As the park was still under development, Webster played a crucial role as a community liaison, working to ensure that the park’s design and programming reflected the needs of residents and visitors alike. She built and strengthened relationships between local stakeholders, government officials, and the public, helping to shape the park into the dynamic, welcoming space it is today.
During her tenure, the Conservancy significantly expanded its reach, increasing free cultural, recreational, and educational programs, welcoming over 1.8 million participants. The Conservancy now offers an extensive lineup of arts and culture programs, live music and performances, outdoor movie screenings, public kayaking, fitness classes, and family-friendly events—all enjoyed by thousands of park goers each year.
Webster also spearheaded the Conservancy’s environmental education programming, launching the Environmental Education Center, which now serves more than 15,000 children annually. The program showcases the plants and animals of the East River estuary and has a wide reach, welcoming schoolchildren from every zip code in Brooklyn. Most recently, she helped secure $3 million in DCLA capital funding to expand the center and enhance its educational initiatives.
In addition to strengthening the Conservancy’s role as a programming leader, Webster also dramatically expanded the organization’s financial foundation, securing vital resources to sustain and grow its mission. Under her leadership, the Conservancy tripled its budget and significantly increased philanthropic and corporate contributions, better positioning the organization for more impactful service to the Park. She spearheaded ambitious fundraising campaigns, cultivated a broad network of supporters, and launched the Conservancy’s prestigious annual gala, which raised a record-breaking $1.7 million in 2024. Her visionary approach to donor engagement and institutional partnerships positioned the Conservancy for continued success, allowing it to enhance its programming, expand access, and deepen its impact across the community.
“Brooklyn Bridge Park is an incredibly special part of the Brooklyn waterfront, and it has been a joy to contribute to its growth through diverse and engaging programming,” said Webster. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to help make the park more vibrant and accessible to thousands of New Yorkers. It has been a privilege to work alongside the passionate staff and board at the Conservancy, as well as my colleagues at Brooklyn Bridge Park, President Eric Landau, and his team who have created such an outstanding public space. My work has been built on the vision and dedication of the early park advocates and Conservancy leaders who paved the way. I look forward to seeing the park continue to flourish in the years ahead.”
Chris Coffey, Chairman of the Conservancy, remarked:
“ “Nancy’s leadership has been transformational. She has not only expanded the Conservancy’s programming and impact but also helped guide Brooklyn Bridge Park’s development as a vital community space. Having worked with Nancy as chair these 7 years, and before that as a board member, nobody fights harder for the conservancy, for maritime education and for access to the best education for students & families all over Brooklyn and the City. I’ll miss her every day and wish her only the absolute best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Eric Landau, President of Brooklyn Bridge Park, added:
“Nancy has played a pivotal role in shaping the park’s success. Her deep commitment to programming, education, and community engagement has left a lasting impact that will be felt for generations.”
Michael Van Valkenburgh, the park’s designer, noted:
“Parks are so important to New Yorkers that we have our own word, “parkie,” for park lovers, park makers, and advocates. Nancy Webster is a parkie through and through. Her incredible devotion to Brooklyn Bridge Park for decades has left a stunning legacy. Thank you, Nancy.”
Lincoln Restler, NYC Council Member, stated:
“Nancy’s years of extraordinary activism, coalition-building, and leadership have been instrumental in the transformation of Brooklyn Bridge Park. During her distinguished tenure leading the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, she has created dynamic programming and cultivated a small army of BBP supporters for our world class waterfront park. Congratulations on her well-earned retirement, which is a bittersweet celebration for all who have worked with her.”
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon added:
“Nancy Webster has been a visionary leader whose passion and dedication have helped transform Brooklyn Bridge Park into one of New York City’s most treasured public spaces. Her ability to bring people together, foster community, and create inclusive, accessible programming has left an indelible mark on the park and the Brooklyn community. We are all grateful for her tireless advocacy and wish her the very best in this next chapter.”
Beyond her work with the Conservancy, Webster is co-author of A History of Brooklyn Bridge Park: How a Community Reclaimed and Transformed New York City’s Waterfront. Her expertise in public outreach, advocacy, and fundraising has been pivotal in advancing the park’s mission.
As the Conservancy and Brooklyn Bridge Park navigate this leadership transition, both organizations are working closely together on plans for a strategic consolidation that will unify programming operations and transition the Conservancy’s role to include support for capital projects and long-term investments.
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About Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy has evolved from the grassroots community that passionately and successfully advocated for the park’s creation into a dynamic force that fills our waterfront gem with joy, wonder, and exploration.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Conservancy offers an array of cultural showcases, fitness activities, recreational pursuits, and educational opportunities. Our programs, which are free or low-cost, enrich the lives of thousands of New Yorkers each year. From festivals and music performances to yoga sessions, sports leagues, and environmental education programs, there’s always something exciting happening. The Conservancy’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality experience for all New Yorkers makes the Park a vibrant and essential part of the community, inviting everyone to discover, enjoy, and connect within this unique urban oasis.