Betsy Smith

Betsy Smith has served as President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy since 2018. During her tenure, she has led an ambitious roster of projects that has strengthened the Conservancy’s capacity to manage all aspects of the Park’s care. Under her leadership, the Conservancy released its first-ever strategic plan and completed over 29 capital projects including its largest to date, the Davis Center, a state-of-the art recreation facility. With the Conservancy’s 45-year restoration of Central Park complete, she is focused on establishing a plan for the long-term health of both the Park and the Conservancy. Her vision includes plans to mitigate the effects of climate change, a commitment to financial sustainability, and a focus on overall excellence in the Conservancy’s holistic stewardship of the Park. Before assuming the role of President & CEO, she served on the Conservancy’s Board of Trustees; was an NYC Parks Assistant Commissioner in the Bloomberg Administration; and served as a Board Member of Friends of the High Line, the Open Space Institute, and as Vice Chair of New Yorkers for Parks. Prior to joining the Bloomberg Administration, she had a 25-year career in finance.