Kaci Murley has been named the new executive director of the Overton Park Conservancy. This announcement comes after Tina Sullivan stepped down from the role this summer.
“I know this work, and I am absolutely energized to build and sustain a strong and lasting public asset while leading an incredible team that embodies dedication to the mission every single day. I love this city so much, and I could not be more honored to begin this new chapter,” Murley said.
Murley formerly served as the organization’s deputy executive director, where she worked on strategic leadership and development management, fundraising strategy, community relations and more. Officials said Murley’s experience in leadership, project management, and fundraising campaign planning will help guide the park into its “next phase.”
Before joining the conservancy, Murley worked in a number of roles in higher education, including being the director of post-secondary success at tnAchieves (also known as Tennessee Promise) and the director of engagement and advocacy at Complete Tennessee.
Murley also worked as the director of programs for Leadership Memphis. A graduate of Christian Brothers University, where she obtained a bachelor of arts in English for corporate communications, Murley also received a master of arts in leadership and public service from Lipscomb University.
In a statement released by the Overton Park Conservancy, Murley was selected from a “competitive field of applicants by a committee comprising current members of the Overton Park Conservancy board of directors, along with several past board chairs.”
“The committee felt that her connection to the park, and the strong internal and community relationships she has built over the past five years, made her the ideal choice to lead the Conservancy into this phase of growth,” they said in a statement.
Sullivan said she is “grateful to be leaving the conservancy in such capable hands,” and that she’s been “accelerating ever since.” She also said she has confidence in the staff and board.
“Kaci has a thorough understanding of the park, its unique history, and its opportunities,” said Yancy Villa, Overton Park Conservancy board chair. “We believe this knowledge will inform her as she strives to protect and improve the park while keeping Overton Park in the center of it all.”