National Park Foundation Names LaTresse Snead Chief Program Officer

WASHINGTON—National Park Foundation announced today that LaTresse Snead has been hired as Chief Program Officer, leading the organization’s programs and partnerships departments. Snead brings with her two decades of experience working for mission-driven organizations, excelling in all areas of programmatic leadership, strategy, fundraising, and communications while building relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Snead will oversee the organization’s programmatic strategy for protecting parks and their resources, connecting people to the natural and cultural heritage they preserve, and strengthening the extensive national network of nonprofit partners that support the more than 400 national parks across the country.

“Now more than ever, our national parks can be pillars of strength for all people,” said Snead. “I have been fortunate to know first-hand the power of national parks since childhood, and I am thrilled to join the National Park Foundation team to preserve these treasured spaces and increase awareness, access, and engagement with the parks and park communities that have provided so much to me.”

Snead has built her career advancing the cause of nonprofit organizations, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and American Red Cross. Most recently, she served as the Director of Building Healthy Cities at the Nature Conservancy, where she led a global team focused on conservation, urban greening, and youth and community engagement. She also served as a member of the Executive Council and Conservation Management teams.

“LaTresse’s wealth of experience will enhance our ability to protect parks and help more people experience and deepen their relationship with the wonder of these beautiful and meaningful places,” said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. “Programs and partnerships serve as the engine for all that the National Park Foundation makes possible for parks and people, and with LaTresse at the helm, we’re headed in a great direction.” Snead will be based in the Washington, D.C. area and report to Shafroth.

Snead holds a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies from San Francisco State University and a master’s of public administration with an emphasis in nonprofit management from Georgia State University. She also currently serves on the board of directors for Georgia Audubon.

Snead joins the National Park Foundation at a pivotal moment when the organization is further expanding its programmatic impact in parks related to women’s history, African American history, Latino history, sustainability and innovation, and nature and wildlife conservation. Just last month, the National Park Foundation announced 23 inaugural grants through its Women in Parks initiative. With support from generous individuals, foundations and companies, these grants, totaling more than $460,000, will fund projects that unearth, preserve, and highlight women’s stories tied to national parks across the country. The grants will help connect people with these stories through physical and digital park exhibits, guided walks, talks and special events, online content like YouTube videos, podcasts, webinars and more.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.