GATTON PARK ON THE TOWN BRANCH - LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ROLE & IMPACT
Executive Operational Leadership: Lead the operationalization of a transformative $40M public park and 4,500-capacity amphitheater, translating strategic vision into scalable systems and processes that drive daily operations, maximize community impact, and ensure long-term operational and financial sustainability across an expansive 12-acre urban green space.
Governance & Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Board of Directors to advance a public-private partnership, developing policies and oversight frameworks that ensure long-term operational and fiscal sustainability.
Financial Management: Collaborate with the Conservancy’s CEO and Board of Directors to manage a $3M operating budget through strategic allocation of capital and operating resources ensuring fiscal oversight and growth of the park’s revenue-generating capacity to support long-term sustainability.
Team Leadership and Organizational Development: Build and lead a high-performing team, establishing structure, culture, and processes that strengthen accountability, collaboration, and support operational priorities.
Public Engagement and Programming Strategy: Lead community engagement and programming efforts, developing a comprehensive programming strategy to activate the park year-round, balancing community-based programming and revenue-generating opportunities.
Stakeholder Engagement: Lead external relations by cultivating partnerships with community organizations, government entities, donors, and vendors supporting park operations and revenue generation, while serving as the organization’s primary public-facing representative and advocate.
Data-Driven Impact: Design and implement metrics and evaluation frameworks that support data-informed decision-making, measure organizational success, and enhance park operations, community engagement, and financial sustainability.
Gatton Park on the Town Branch is Lexington’s premier downtown gathering space—a vibrant 12-acre urban park located in the heart of the city, adjacent to Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena. The park features expansive green spaces, a 4,500-capacity amphitheater, interactive water features, playgrounds, public art, and year-round community events.
Designed to accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale festivals and concerts, Gatton Park connects residents and visitors through recreation, culture, entertainment, and memorable experiences in a uniquely Lexington setting.
As a privately funded and operated nonprofit, Gatton Park relies on revenue generated through a combination of private philanthropy, corporate partnerships, venue rentals, concessions, and other earned-income opportunities. This diversified funding model helps ensure the park remains a vibrant, accessible, and well-maintained community asset, delivering exceptional public spaces and experiences for Lexington residents and visitors for generations to come.
