The Bay Park Conservancy Adds Jeannie Perales to its Executive Leadership Team as its Chief Experience Officer

May 12, 2021 – Sarasota

The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC), the non-profit organization responsible for overseeing the redevelopment of 53-acres of City-owned land along Sarasota Bay into a public park, has appointed Jeannie Perales to its executive leadership team as its Chief Experience Officer.

“Now that we have received Phase 1 site approval, we are ready to bring The Bay Park to life — to create a park visitor experience unlike any other in our community’s newest park. An experience that is open and accessible, free and welcoming for all.  Jeannie Perales’ talent, leadership, energy and heart aligns with our vision for the park and is ideal for this position,” said AG Lafley, Founding CEO of the Bay Park Conservancy.

Perales, a Sarasota native with a master’s degree in educational psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver as well as a K-6 teaching certificate, has served for the past ten years in the outstanding Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ senior management team.  She has expertise in visitor-centric experiences, exhibits, education for all audiences, volunteer engagement, and site activation by creating comfort in natural settings.

“The mission of The Bay Park deeply resonates with me.  I have the existing relationships to ensure broad use of this legacy community asset through diverse experiences and learning opportunities – through programming centered on the arts, education, fitness, wellness and the environment,” said Perales.  “Developing site and operating strategies that deliver a positive, memorable experience is something that draws upon my professional experience and passion for protecting and celebrating life on the planet.”

“We are thrilled that the type of talent we needed to activate The Bay Park was not only already in Sarasota, but from Sarasota.  We are certain that Jeannie Perales’ energetic leadership and outreach style will continue to fuel our citizens’ aspirations for The Bay Park,” added Cathy Layton, Chair of the Bay Park Conservancy.

The Bay Park Conservancy recently opened the Mangrove Bayou Walkway, and is currently constructing the Lawns, outdoor Reading Room, a new Kayak Launch, and permitting the Sunset Boardwalk. 

For more information about The Bay Park Conservancy, visit www.bayparkconservancy.org or contact Nicole Zimmerman at nicole@largeinc.com or 201-394-4000.