THE PARKS ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES NEW CEO

New CEO to lead future support of Indy’s parks, trails, and public spaces

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis is pleased to announce the appointment of Rusty Carr as its new Chief Executive Officer. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, The Parks Alliance has been an instrumental force supporting Indy Parks & Recreation in the development and maintenance of Indianapolis’ parks, trails, greenways, and public spaces.

The appointment of Rusty Carr marks an exciting chapter in the organization’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Indy’s parks, trails, and public spaces.

After a thorough six-month search and hiring process, The Parks Alliance Board of Directors and a dedicated selection committee selected Carr who will officially assume the role on January 2, 2024, succeeding Interim CEO Greg Fennig.

With a proven track record of leadership and a deep commitment to community well-being, Rusty Carr brings valuable strategic, fiscal, and executive management experience to The Parks Alliance. He will play a pivotal role in advancing The Parks Alliance’s mission and realizing its vision to make Indianapolis a nationally recognized parks city.

Carr comes from the City of Indianapolis, where, as director of the Department of Metropolitan Development, he spear-headed affordable housing creation, downtown economic development, and several public space investments including Spark on Monument Circle and DMD’s support of the Colts Canal Playspace in 2018.

“I am thrilled to join The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis as its new CEO,” said Rusty Carr. “Public parks are the foundation of thriving neighborhoods and a high quality of life, and I am eager to collaborate with the dedicated team at Indy Parks and Recreation to raise and provide support for parks. Together, we will work towards a more vibrant and playful Indianapolis.”

The Board of Directors of The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis is confident that Rusty Carr is the ideal leader to guide its organization into the next chapter.

“As our new CEO, Rusty Carr will lead The Parks Alliance into the future,” said Victoria Schneider Temple, The Parks Alliance Board Chair and Owner of The Schneider Corporation. “His vision, leadership, and relationships with city leaders will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of our organization as we support Indy Parks & Recreation to provide outstanding public spaces for the community.”

Interim CEO, Greg Fennig, who provided steady leadership during the past five months, shares thoughts on the organization’s future.

“During this interim period, The Parks Alliance has renewed its focus on its core purpose of supporting Indianapolis’ parks and Rusty Carr is committed to reinforcing and enhancing our partnership with Indy Parks and Recreation. He will undoubtedly build upon The Parks Alliance’s past successes, and we are excited about the positive impact that his leadership will make.”

As a Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) partner, The Parks Alliance reaffirms its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion under Carr’s leadership. The organization is dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that embraces individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, age, disabilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs, or any other characteristic.

“We believe that under Rusty Carr’s leadership, The Parks Alliance will continue to thrive and evolve as a cornerstone in Indianapolis’ community development,” added Jennifer Bartenbach, Chief Executive Officer at CICF.