‘Seeking a vibrant and visionary leader to assume stewardship of this young and dynamic organization’

(Raleigh, NC) - August 23, 2024 - The board of the Dix Park Conservancy (DPC) today announced details of its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Please find the position posting at this link. 

National in scope, the search is being led by a task force made up of board members. Heading the task force are Jim Hansen, regional president at PNC Bank, and former Raleigh mayor Nancy McFarlane.

The Conservancy works with the City of Raleigh as part of the public-private partnership that is shaping the 308-acre Dix Park based on a master plan informed by a broad program of public input and approved by City Council. 

The board has contracted with moss+ross, a North Carolina based executive search and nonprofit counsel firm, to guide the search process. The position posting notes:  “Applications requested by September 20, 2024 and accepted until the position is filled.”  

In July, Janet Cowell, who has led the Conservancy since January of 2021, announced she will step down as president and CEO effective October 4. Cowell plans to focus on her political aspirations. Following Cowell’s departure, former board chair and retired president and publisher of The News & Observer Orage Quarles will take over as interim CEO.

During Cowell’s tenure, the Conservancy raised more than $40 million in private funding and launched projects such as the restoration of the park’s historic Stone Houses and an ambitious public art initiative. In 2025, Dix Park will unveil the 18.5-acre Gipson Play Plaza, an inspiring public space for all ages with one of a kind play spaces, works of art, a civic plaza, fountains, and gardens. 

“Dix Park has added many vibrant features, amenities and attractions over the past several years, and is now moving into an especially exciting period,” said board chair Bill Ross. “There is no park in the United States with our mix of physical beauty, deep history, vast acreage, downtown adjacency and popular support. With all this, we expect our search will attract a bumper crop of impressive candidates eager to lead the Conservancy to even greater success.”   

moss+ross has provided consulting to more than 270 North Carolina nonprofits and educational organizations over the last 15 years. It works across all sectors, including higher education, healthcare, social services, and faith communities. 

About Dix Park Conservancy 

The City of Raleigh owns and operates the 308-acre Dorothea Dix Park. Dix Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with the City in its efforts, serves as its philanthropic and community engagement partner, and works to ensure the creation and long-term success of Dix Park as a place for everyone – a transformative public space nurturing community, health, and celebration that will enrich our quality of life in North Carolina.