Betsy Smith Email & Phone Number

Elizabeth “Betsy” Smith is the President & CEO of the Central Park Conservancy, where she oversees strategic planning, operations, capital programming, public programs, marketing, and development. With Central Park’s 40-year restoration largely complete, her focus is now on the long-term sustainability of both the Park and its purpose as a retreat from the pace and pressures of city life. Her priority is to foster the Conservancy’s continued stewardship of Central Park through a commitment to financial stability, operational excellence, and engaged governance. Prior to her appointment as President & CEO, Ms. Smith sat on the Board of the Conservancy. She previously served as NYC Parks Assistant Commissioner during the Bloomberg Administration, where she was responsible for the Agency’s interaction with the private sector, specifically its large and highly diversified concession portfolio, major special events on City parkland, and an expanding portfolio of conservancies and other public- private partnerships. An avid supporter of urban parks and open space, she also has served as a Board Member of Friends of the High Line and the Open Space Institute, and as Vice Chair of New Yorkers for Parks. Prior to joining the Bloomberg Administration, Ms. Smith had a 25-year career in finance, starting in commercial banking at J.P. Morgan before transitioning to venture capital and private equity management at Prospect Group, Inc. and at the family offices of Harry F. Oppenheimer and the Rockefeller Financial Group. She later ran client services and finance at Sotheby’s. Ms. Smith is the Chair of the Board of the Library of America, a nonprofit publisher of significant American writing. Ms. Smith has two daughters and lives in New York City with her husband.

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  Scripps College

  American Studies