Metro

New Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy executive director named

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy has a new leader – and it’s no surprise.

Nancy Webster, the acting executive director of the conservancy since Marianna Koval stepped down as its president in June, was appointed the group’s executive director by the conservancy’s board last week.

“She has a wide set of skills in fundraising, programming and advocacy, and she is deeply committed to building a great Brooklyn Bridge Park,” said David Kramer, chairman of the conservancy’s board.

He added that Webster was the board’s unanimous choice after an extensive search.

The Conservancy is a major fundraising arm for the long-delayed 85-acre park project It says it has raised over $11 million to help support free public programming in Empire State Fulton Ferry Park in DUMBO – which will become part of Brooklyn Bridge Park — as well as advocacy, park stewardship and maintenance.

After more than two decades of planning, the first new parts of Brooklyn Bridge Park are close to opening at Pier 1 in DUMBO and Pier 6 in Brooklyn Heights in the next few months. In fact, sources have said they’d likely already be open if the city and state weren’t bickering over control of the park and how to fill a $100 million funding gap.

“I am honored to lead the Conservancy into an exciting phase as the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation opens major new sections of the park to the public,” said Webster.

Spurred by the Port Authority’s plan to sell the piers along the Brooklyn Heights waterfront for commercial development, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Coalition (now Conservancy) was born in 1988.

Over the past ten years, the Conservancy has brought popular programming to the future park site. Working in partnership with the state-city Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, and various community groups, the Conservancy has facilitated free public programming enjoyed by more than half a million visitors, including the popular Floating Swimming Pool at “Brooklyn Bridge Park Beach” in 2007, and the temporary “Pop-Up Park” on Pier 1 in 2008.

“Nancy’s capable leadership and her commitment to Brooklyn Bridge Park make her an excellent partner to BBPDC,” said Regina Myer, president of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation.

“We look forward to continuing our collaborative work as we prepare for seasons full of activity following the park’s stunning debut this spring.”

A press release on Friday said the conservancy and development corporation plan “to provide a wide range of free, public programming on Piers 1 and 6.” when both open later this spring.

“Offerings include the annual outdoor film series ‘Movies with a View,’ boating with local kayaking and rowing groups, a fitness series, playground enrichment activities, and an extensive series of education courses focusing on the natural ecology and built environment of the park,” the statement said.

Webster joined the conservancy in 2006 as director of marketing and communications, and a year later was appointed vice president and deputy director.

Previously, she worked as associate creative director at Marsteller Advertising, a division of Burson-Marsteller, producing corporate and issues advertising.

A waterfront enthusiast and avid sailor, Webster holds a bachelor of art’s degree in Philosophy from Duke University. She and her family live in DUMBO.