Ruffin Hall

President & CEO

Ruffin Hall joined the Conservancy after a 25-year career in public sector leadership, including serving as Raleigh City Manager. During his tenure, Ruffin played a pivotal role in the Dix Park project, assisting with the park’s property acquisition, negotiating the first partnership agreement with the Conservancy, overseeing the Master Plan, and launching early park projects. At the Conservancy, Ruffin brings his expertise in executive leadership, public-private partnerships, and strategic planning to support the transformation of Dix Park. A Raleigh resident, Ruffin enjoys time with his wife, three children, and their dog, along with trips to the beach whenever possible.

Nick Smith

Chief of Staff

Nick has served on the planning side of the project, participating in the Master Plan and early Phase 1 projects, before joining the Conservancy as Chief of Staff. At the Conservancy, Nick facilitates the public-private partnership between the City of Raleigh and the Dix Park Conservancy and leads strategic planning efforts around project advocacy and park development, manages special projects, and coordinates staff and board operations.

Rob Maddrey

VP of Development

Rob brings more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. He comes to the Conservancy from the NC Center for Nonprofits where he was the Chief Sustainability Officer. As the VP of Development, Rob oversees the comprehensive campaign for philanthropy including community giving, grant writing and stewardship. He also collaborates with the Board & CEO on all development activities to facilitate and strengthen the organization’s fundraising efforts. Rob is a lifelong choral musician and currently sings tenor with the choir of the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Oakwood Waits, and the North Carolina Master Chorale.

Michelle Panek

Executive Assistant & Board Relations Manager

Michelle is a native Washingtonian and has a BA in Communications from James Madison University. She loves photography, art, cooking, and enjoying a beautiful day hiking in the forest or on a beach. She spent her career managing board and education programs at nonprofits in DC before moving to Raleigh six years ago. In her off-time she can be found spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their Puggle named Cooper.

Anna Golden-Torres

Senior Communications & Marketing Manager

Originally from Brazil, Anna has called Raleigh home since childhood and feels deeply connected to the city she grew up in. Her work is driven by a love for building connections and bringing ideas to life through thoughtful strategy and creative leadership. Anna spent a decade in the technology sector honing her marketing, content strategy, and campaign management skills before joining the Conservancy. Anna holds a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from UNC-Chapel Hill and is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. 

Hannah Liebel

Sr. Manager of Operations

Hannah Liebel has dedicated her career to cultivating experiences that nurture the creative spirit. A graduate from Appalachian State University, Hannah has worked across the state managing galleries and studio spaces. Hannah comes to the Dix Park Conservancy from Artsplosure, where she served as Operations Director, producing public events and art installations that connect locally and nationally recognized artists with the greater North Carolina arts community. Hannah coordinates the Conservancy’s events, art installations, merchandise program, and manages our newly renovated properties.

Lisa Genschel

Development Manager

Lisa brings corporate and non-profit career experience to her role as Development Manager, providing organizational, project management, and relationship skills to our fundraising team. She is an avid reader with a special love of picture books. Lisa enjoys activities in and around water, having recently discovered kayaking. She earned a B.S. from Purdue University in Financial Planning & Counseling and has made Raleigh home since 1987.

Christy J. Smith

Content Marketing Specialist

Christy grew up in the Piedmont of North Carolina and is a first-gen college graduate and the granddaughter of tobacco & cotton tenant farmers. She has an M.A. in English Lit and worked as a graphic designer and communications manager in university & non-profit settings before joining the Dix Park Conservancy team. She enjoys spending time in nature with her son, making music and reading books about ecosystem science.