Meet Our Team

Ms. Lout oversees the Institute’s work to provide thought leadership and professional development programming to urban park professionals. Prior to joining the Conservancy, she developed and managed strategy and programming for a variety of organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, The Museum of the City of New York, and New Yorkers for Parks.

Christopher Cousino oversees the Institute’s national programs, developing engagements and strategic initiatives with urban park managers, organizations, and agencies throughout the country. He previously spent more than a decade managing landscapes and operations staff in Central Park.

Salmaan Khan is the Director of NYC Programs for the Institute for Urban Parks. He oversees the Institute’s work with New York City-based groups and individuals through programs like the NYC Partnerships Lab, which helps organizations build their capacity to plan, develop, and maintain great public spaces. He previously served as the Manager of Capital Projects and Planning at Friends of the High Line, the nonprofit conservancy that maintains and operates the High Line park.

Dr. Philip Silva is the Director of Continuing Education & Research at the Institute for Urban Parks. He has more than a decade of experience in the fields of adult learning, participatory research, and nonprofit management. Dr. Silva oversees the design and facilitation of online and in-person professional development initiatives, including the Urban Park Leadership Program and the online Certificate in Urban Park Management.