Janet Cowell Prepares to Step Down as Dix Park Conservancy President and CEO
Former board chair Orage Quarles to serve as interim CEO as search process proceeds
(RALEIGH, NC) - July 31, 2024 - The board of the Dix Park Conservancy announced today that president and CEO Janet Cowell will step down effective October 4. A search committee from the board will initiate a national search for a new leader. Following Cowell’s departure, former board chair and retired president and publisher of The News & Observer Orage Quarles will take over as interim CEO.
Dix Park Conservancy is the City’s partner in the public-private partnership that is building Dix Park based on a master plan informed by a broad and effective program of public input and approved by the City Council.
“Dix Park is more vibrant and active than ever, thanks in large part to Janet’s strong leadership of the Conservancy,” said board chair Bill Ross. “Our donor base is robust and expanding, our staff is remarkable, our partnership with the City of Raleigh is efficient and productive, and our slate of attractions is at an all-time high and growing. We thank Janet for her service and look forward to a bright, transformational future as North Carolina’s park for and by the people.”
Cowell signed on as the Conservancy’s president and chief executive in January of 2021. In January of 2024, she announced her candidacy for Raleigh mayor. She exits her tenure at the Conservancy in order to focus on her political aspirations.
During Cowell’s tenure, the Conservancy has raised over $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.
Heading the board’s search task force are Jim Hansen, regional president at PNC Bank, and former Raleigh mayor Nancy McFarlane. The search for the new president & CEO will remain open until the leader is named by the board.
About Dix Park Conservancy
The City of Raleigh owns and operates Dorothea Dix Park. Dix Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with the city City in its efforts, serve 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 for community, health, and celebration that will enrich our quality of life in North Carolina.