Parks Alliance of Louisville Appoints Chris Chandler Incoming President and CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Morgan Reining

Parks Alliance of Louisville

502-552-6413

morgan@parksalliancelou.org

Parks Alliance of Louisville Board of Directors Appoints

Chris Chandler Incoming President and CEO

LOUISVILLE, Ky., (February 23, 2026) — The Parks Alliance of Louisville Board of Directors announce the appointment of Chris Chandler as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Chris brings over a decade of leadership in urban conservation and equitable park development, along with deep personal and professional roots in Louisville’s park system. His first day will be Mon., March 2. 

“Following a comprehensive national search, the Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Chris Chandler as the next President and CEO of the Parks Alliance of Louisville (PAL),” said Ameerah Palacios, Board Chair of Parks Alliance of Louisville. “Chris is an exceptional leader with a demonstrated track record in strategic planning, community engagement, and fundraising. His deep connection to Louisville and proven ability to implement complex, community-driven programs make him the ideal leader to guide PAL through its next phase of growth and major park investment.”

“It is a profound honor to lead the Parks Alliance of Louisville,” said Chris Chandler. “I am the product of Louisville’s public parks, with a family connection spanning five generations. Parks are an integral part of neighborhood identity and community health and wellbeing. I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, staff, Louisville Parks and Recreation, and community partners to build on PAL’s tremendous momentum to deliver a world-class park experience for all Louisvillians.”

Chris joins the Parks Alliance from his role as Cities and Strategic Partnerships Director for Equitable Conservation in The Nature Conservancy’s Chief Conservation Office, where he served as a senior advisor on global conservation strategies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific regions. In his previous position as Cities Network Director for the North America Region, he led a national team that successfully seeded urban conservation projects in over 20 states, leveraging $20 million in investment into more than $200 million for conservation initiatives.

As The Nature Conservancy’s first Urban Conservation Director for the Kentucky Chapter, Chris co-founded the pioneering Green Heart Louisville project with partners at the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute. With deep local relationships, he’s raised millions in private and foundation funding to advance community-driven projects to support people and nature.  Chris also oversaw the team that developed the proposed 1,000-acre Mill Creek restoration project with Louisville Metro Government, and state and local interested parties. 

As previously determined by the Board of Directors, Brooke Pardue will provide critical continuity and support during Chris’ first 100 days, ensuring a smooth onboarding and transfer of institutional knowledge. Pardue will then continue to serve the Parks Alliance, transitioning to a new external facing role as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives.

The Parks Alliance partnered with Potrero Group to conduct the executive search. Daniel Student, Managing Director at Potrero Group, commented on the successful outcome, “The search attracted strong interest from across the country, and Chris Chandler emerged as the standout candidate. His combination of executive leadership, financial acumen, and genuine commitment to equitable park access aligns perfectly with PAL’s mission. His experience implementing large-scale urban conservation projects and his ability to unite diverse constituents will be invaluable as Louisville embarks on this historic moment for its parks.”

Chris’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Louisville’s parks, with the Alliance poised to implement significant park investments. His expertise in strategic planning, community-centered development, and metrics-driven conservation positions him to lead PAL’s next chapter of impact. 

About Parks Alliance of Louisville

The Parks Alliance of Louisville is a nonprofit organization dedicated to driving equitable  investment in Louisville’s public parks and community centers. The Alliance works to ensure parks are recognized as essential civic infrastructure that supports health, community connection, and the environment. Learn more at parksallianceoflouisville.org.

About Potrero Group

Potrero Group is a leadership consulting firm supporting mission-driven leaders and organizations through strategy, facilitation, board recruitment and development, and executive search services. Learn more at potrerogroup.com.

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