NDIANAPOLIS — The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis is pleased to announce the appointment of Jenny Boyts as its next Executive Director, ushering in a new era of community-centered leadership and strategic growth for the organization.
Boyts brings a dynamic record of relationship-driven leadership grounded in creativity, community building, and equity. Known for her ability to bring people together around shared purpose, she has deep experience leading mission-aligned initiatives, most recently through her work as CEO of Forty5 Presents, where she helped strengthen local arts and cultural programming.
Her professional background spans corporate innovation, nonprofit collaboration, and community development, centered on the belief that authentic relationships drive long-term impact.
“This is a big moment for The Parks Alliance,” said Sarah Iglehart, Chair of The Parks Alliance Advisory Board. “This organization and our city deserve a strong leader that can drive impact – and Jenny is just that.”
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for The Parks Alliance. Earlier this year, the organization transitioned from a supporting organization to a special-interest fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) – a strategic realignment designed to increase The Parks Alliance’s philanthropic reach, operational capacity, and long-term sustainability while maintaining a strong, independent identity.
“Jenny Boyts brings the kind of community-focused leadership that will help elevate parks and broaden support,” said Jennifer Bartenbach, CEO of CICF. “We’re excited to work alongside her as this next chapter of The Parks Alliance begins.”
As Executive Director, Boyts will guide the organization’s strategic initiatives, deepen partnerships, and champion investment in the city’s 200+ park system. She will also lead major community events and fundraising programs, including Indy’s Lunch for Parks presented by AES Indiana and work closely with Indy Parks on collaborative improvement projects.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jenny into this role,” said Brittany Crone, Director of Indy Parks and Recreation. “Her passion for neighborhoods, her inclusive leadership style, and her commitment to community connection align beautifully with the future we envision for Indianapolis. We look forward to working together to expand access, strengthen our parks, and build places that inspire joy, belonging, wellness, and play for every resident.”
“I’m honored to join The Parks Alliance at such an important moment and to work alongside Indy Parks and CICF.” said Boyts “I have built my career on the belief that physical space matters – when grounded in authentic community engagement and supported by targeted resources, parks and public spaces don’t just enhance our quality of life, they preserve cultural legacies and build community and neighborhood wealth. That belief drives my excitement and deep commitment as I step into this next chapter.”
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The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis
The Parks Alliance is a fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation that supports Indy Parks by uniting community, corporate, government, and philanthropic partners to invest in and elevate Indianapolis’ parks, trails, and public spaces.