Nancy Powell, executive director of Scenic Jacksonville Inc., will retire in April, the nonprofit announced Jan. 5.
“Nancy has been an amazing advocate for improving Jacksonville. Her strategic, yet passionate approach to the issues that matter have propelled both Scenic Jacksonville and our city forward,” board President Bill Hoff said in a news release.
Hoff praised Powell for leading Scenic Jacksonville’s efforts to protect, promote and enhance the character and beauty of Jacksonville’s built and natural environments, with specific focus on walkability, the benefits of the tree canopy, Downtown riverfront and the importance of design in creating vibrant, people-friendly urban neighborhoods and public spaces.
Powell said her decision to retire was planned internally since last summer.
“It’s been my honor to work with so many talented people – Scenic Jacksonville’s Board of Directors, city, civic and community leaders, and our dedicated Riverfront Parks Now coalition nonprofit organizations and members. We’ve accomplished a lot. At the same time, I’m ready to pass the baton and look forward to seeing Scenic Jacksonville continue and grow its impact,” she said in the release.
Hoff said the search process has begun for Powell’s successor and the organization will plan an orderly transition following the selection of a new executive director.
Powell joined the organization as its first executive director in January 2020. During her six years with the organization, she expanded Scenic Jacksonville’s influence through the development of informative civic programs, initiatives and advocacy, the nonprofit said.
In early 2020, Powell led the formation of the Riverfront Parks Now coalition and chaired its steering committee for the first four years. The coalition was recognized with awards from the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board and the Sierra Club.
The nonprofit said under Powell’s leadership, Scenic Jacksonville expanded the annual Great Cities Symposium into an event that brings speakers from peer cities to advance knowledge around best practices. She also led the Scenic Visions series, which worked with nonprofits in Arlington and Mayport to engage in conversation about the future of those neighborhoods.
Scenic Jacksonville Inc. is a nonprofit established to ensure the city’s natural and built environments continue to be attractive and resilient for citizens, businesses and visitors.