CINCINNATI, [December 19, 2023] — The Cincinnati Parks Foundation is thrilled to announce the promotion of Jennifer Hafner Spieser to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the community, Spieser is poised to lead the Foundation into a new era of growth and impact.
Jennifer first joined the Cincinnati Parks Foundation from 2004 to 2007, and then after spending eight years in a development and communications role for the Cincinnati Fire Department, she returned to the Foundation as the Executive Director, a position she has held since 2015. A force for good in Cincinnati, Jennifer has been instrumental in major projects, such monumental projects including the expansion of Smale Riverfront Park, the addition of a fully accessible and inclusive playground at Inwood Park and the revitalization of Ezzard Charles Park. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to the Foundation’s mission of preserving, enhancing, and promoting Cincinnati’s parks and greenspaces throughout all 52 city neighborhoods.
“Jennifer is a natural collaborator and has created new partnerships to help connect neighborhoods to their local parks. An unofficial ambassador to all of Cincinnati’s parks, her work has established programs and improvements that make parks increasingly more accessible and more welcoming to all,” said Brian Tiffany, the incoming President of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation Board of Directors.
Dan Vogelpohl, the outgoing President of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation Board of Direction fully supports Spieser in her new role. He says, “Her proven track record in fundraising and community engagement has positioned the Foundation for continued growth and impact in support of Cincinnati’s historic park system.”
Under Spieser’s guidance, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation has raised over $30 million for Cincinnati Parks. In 2023, her fundraising leadership resulted in an additional $2 million in donations. This year, $1.93 million in funds was dispersed to support continued park improvements and programming. In her newly expanded role, she and her team are fundraising to support the renovation of the Sawyer Point Roller Skating Rink, the restoration of Ault Park’s historic cascading foundation, and continued improvements to Glenway Park in Price Hill. Jennifer is also leading the team that will bring over 500 free events into Cincinnati Parks, remove tons of litter in city parks, and support efforts to plant more than 1,000 trees throughout the city.
About Cincinnati Parks Foundation: The Cincinnati Parks Foundation, the philanthropic partner to Cincinnati Parks, is dedicated to preserving and enhancing Cincinnati’s parks and greenspaces for all to enjoy. The Foundation works to raise funds, advocate for the parks, and support innovative programs that connect people to nature and promote a healthy and active lifestyle. To learn more about the projects and programs, please visit cincinnatiparksfoundation.org