Dix Park Conservancy Names New CEO

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As reported by the News & Observer in Raleigh:

Dix Park Conservancy, the nonprofit working with the City of Raleigh to raise money for and develop Dorothea Dix Park, announced on Wednesday that long-time public servant Janet Cowell will take over leadership effective Jan. 18.

Cowell is a member of the Dix Park Conservancy Board and has been engaged with the park since its inception. Here career has included stints as state treasurer, state senator and city councilor and leadership roles in the private sector.

“Janet can hit the ground running,” said Jim Goodmon, Dix Park Conservancy Board chairman and chairman of the board and CEO of Capitol Broadcasting Company. “As we enter a new phase in the creation of Dix Park, Janet is the perfect person to keep all the different parts moving.”

Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said, “Janet’s commitment to Raleigh, her leadership skills, her contacts and her character make her an excellent choice to lead the Dix Park Conservancy. I am thrilled to work with her again as we move Dix Park forward.”

“I am excited to lead the Conservancy because everyone should have the opportunity to discover what I have — the joy, hope, and possibility offered by Dorothea Dix Park’s magical landscape and rich historical legacy,” said Cowell. “It is a place of healing and transformation for both the individual and the broader community.”

Since its creation, the Dix Park Conservancy has funded the park’s master plan development and is currently funding Phase Now, which includes the Plaza and Playground on Lake Wheeler Road, restoration of the 1956 chapel as a community gathering place, and re-wilding the Rocky Branch Creek, which flows along Western Boulevard.

From CapDev President Allan Burrows:

“With an incredible candidate pool presented, the Dix Park Conservancy board selected a dynamic leader. Janet Cowell brings a breadth of experience in working across all sectors to achieve results. She’s the right leader for the job.”

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