19th Annual Hats Off Luncheon Honorary Chair
LaNae Barnes is one of the honorary chairs of our biggest fundraising event of the year—the 19th Annual Hats Off Luncheon! This beloved celebration honors Cincinnati Parks and the people who make them thrive. With the theme Black & White & Parks All Over, this year’s event marks 30 years of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation’s mission-driven work. As our signature fundraiser, the Hats Off Luncheon directly supports our efforts to create, conserve and connect—ensuring our parks remain beautiful, accessible and welcoming for all. We’re thrilled to have LaNae and her co-chair Mindy Hastie leading the charge, bringing their energy and vision to this milestone event. As excitement builds, we sat down with LaNae to dive into her passion for Cincinnati Parks and what drives her commitment to our mission.
LaNae joined the Cincinnati Parks Foundation Board of Directors in 2024, bringing her enthusiasm for building strong communities. With her work at Bank of America focused on economic development, philanthropy and local partnerships, she sees her leadership on the Foundation’s board as another way to make a lasting impact.
For LaNae, joining the board was a deeply personal decision. “When we moved to Cincinnati from Dallas, the first thing I noticed was how much green space the city had,” she recalls. “The parks are so well protected and cared for, and they truly helped us get acclimated to our new normal living in Cincinnati. My twin daughters had just turned three, and we spent so much time outside exploring. When I was approached to join the board, I knew it was a perfect way to give back.”
The Power of Connection
Since joining the board, LaNae has cherished the relationships she’s built. “One of the things I love most about Cincinnati Parks Foundation (CPF) is the people. The friendships I’ve made here have been incredible,” she shares. “Being connected to CPF has already created core memories for me.”
Professionally, serving on the board has been very rewarding, as well. “At Bank of America, I spend time building connections and supporting initiatives that strengthen communities,” LaNae explains. My position allowed me to contribute to the progress of the Sawyer Point Riverfront Rink Project, and that was a really proud moment for me. There’s still a lot of work to do, but this was a great entry point to an amazing partnership with CPF.”
Driving Change Through Curiosity
When asked about the most essential quality for a board member, LaNae doesn’t hesitate: “Curiosity. Being curious drives innovation, collaboration and engagement. It helps us learn what different projects need and how we can connect the mission of parks with someone else’s passion—whether that’s to inspire a donor, attract a sponsor or rally volunteers. Curiosity unlocks possibilities in every aspect of what we do.”
Her advice for new and aspiring board members? “The best thing you can do is show up authentically. Be yourself! This board represents all of us and requires fresh perspectives to help the mission grow.”
Looking Ahead
When thinking about the future of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, LaNae has one hope: “I appreciate the full cooperation and advocacy we have on all projects and hope to see the strong support continue into the future. The work CPF does matters—it expands access for all, uplifts communities and helps shape childhood experiences. That’s powerful.”
We are incredibly thankful to have LaNae on board, supporting our mission and helping shape the future of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. Her leadership and passion make a significant difference in our efforts to create, conserve and connect through parks.
“Whatever the next years bring, I know CPF will continue making a difference in the lives of so many. I’m grateful to be a part of something that makes such a lasting impact,” LaNae concludes.