Betsy Smith

President & CEO, Central Park Conservancy

Betsy Smith has served as President & CEO of the Central Park Conservancy since 2018. During her tenure, Smith has led an ambitious roster of projects that have strengthened and expanded the Conservancy’s capacity to care for all aspects of the Park’s restoration, maintenance, and management. Under her leadership, the Conservancy released its first ever strategic plan (A Plan for the Stewardship of Central Park 2020-2027) and completed over 29 capital projects including its largest project to date, the Davis Center at the Harlem Meer Center, a $160 million state-of-the art recreation facility in the Park’s north end.

With the Conservancy’s 45-year restoration of Central Park largely complete, Smith is now focused on establishing a sustainable plan for the long term health of both the Park and the Conservancy. Her vision for the Park includes plans to mitigate the effects of climate change, a commitment to financial sustainability, and overall excellence in the Conservancy’s holistic stewardship of the Park.

Before assuming the role of President & CEO, Smith served on the Conservancy’s Board of Trustees; was a former 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, Smith had a 25-year career in finance.

Smith is currently Chair of the Board of Library of America, a not-for-profit publisher of significant American writing.

Visit Ms. Smith's LinkedIn profile.