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The Trail Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that oversees Austin’s Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail surrounding Lady Bird Lake, has a new chief executive.
Kimberly McNeeley, who is in the process of leaving her position as director of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, has been named to fill the top post at the nonprofit after former CEO Heidi Anderson left in December. McNeeley officially starts her new role June 10, according to a May 10 announcement.
Chief Operating Officer Hanna Cofer has been serving as interim CEO in the wake of Anderson's departure.
“I am incredibly excited to lead The Trail Conservancy and continue my journey in enhancing Austin’s recreational and green spaces," stated McNeeley, who has decades of experience in the recreational management and community engagement realms. "As an avid user of The Trail, I look forward to working with the talented team at TTC and the Austin community to foster an accessible, sustainable, and vibrant trail for everyone.”
The organization said it formed a search committee for a new CEO in December and reviewed more than 150 applicants, including people from other “prominent” cities across the nation.
As of 2022, the nonprofit has maintained primary stewardship of the 10-mile trail that loops around Lady Bird Lake and almost 300 acres of parkland that makes up the Town Lake Metropolitan Park. It's estimated that over 4.9 million people visit the trail every year. The conservancy was founded in 2003.
The Trail Conservancy had 2021 revenue of $3.94 million, ranking it No. 97 on ABJ's 2023 list of nonprofits in the Austin area. It had a staff of 18 at last count.
Revenue 2021
| Rank | Prior Rank | Name (Prior rank) |
|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | Southwest Key Programs Inc. |
2 | 2 | Goodwill Industries of Central Texas ¥ |
3 | 3 | CommUnityCare Health Centers |
