Science & Nature
Friends of the Parks Taps Nonprofit Veteran as New Executive Director, Vows to Take on ‘New Threats and Challenges’
Brian Gladstein has been named the new executive director of Friends of the Parks. (Friends of the Parks)
Friends of the Parks has announced a new executive director after a yearlong search.
Brian Gladstein, a longtime Rogers Park resident with an extensive background in nonprofit management, will lead the organization into its 50th year.
“I am excited to continue the legacy of Friends of the Parks to inspire, equip and mobilize a diverse Chicago to support our parks and create public spaces where everyone can thrive,” Gladstein said in a statement.
Gin Kilgore had been serving as interim executive following the departure of Juanita Irizarry, who announced in late 2023 she was stepping down from Friends of the Parks.
Gladstein has held leadership roles with the Jewish Council for Urban Affairs as well as Common Cause Illinois, and brings wide-ranging experience in public policy and grassroots organizing to his new job.
Though perhaps best known in recent years for its opposition to George Lucas’ proposal to build a museum on the Chicago lakefront, Friends of the Parks was founded in 1975 in response to what it considered mismanagement of the park system and overall lack of stewardship.
“New threats and challenges have emerged and, unfortunately, under-resourced Black and brown communities continue to face neglect in terms of parks support, service, access and environmental stewardship,” Bronwyn Nichols Lodato, Friends of the Parks board chairman, said in a statement. “Brian understands this history and work as core to (Friends of the Parks) identity, keeping Chicago’s parks public, free and open green spaces where park users find respite and joy.”
Gladstein steps in just as the Chicago Park District has experienced its own shake-up, with Rosa Escareño abruptly resigning as CEO and general superintendent at the end of February. Mayor Brandon Johnson quickly named Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa as her replacement.
Friends of the Parks has signaled it will continue to hold the Park District accountable to Chicagoans.
“Our work is to ensure that all residents have convenient access to well-resourced parks and programming that reflects the values and priorities of our people,” Gladstein said.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
