Central Park Conservancy Names Timothy Hassett Chief of Park Operations

New York, NY — The President & CEO of the Central Park Conservancy, Elizabeth W. Smith has announced the appointment of Timothy Hassett to the newly created role of Chief of Park Operations at the Conservancy, the nonprofit responsible for the care and restoration of Central Park. Hassett will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of all matters related to Park operations including Central Park maintenance, landscape management, facility operations, Park use management, visitor services, and public programs. As Chief of Park Operations, Hassett will report to Smith.

The Conservancy was formed nearly 40 years ago to rescue Central Park after a period of decline. The success of the Conservancy’s work has resulted in the Park being one of the most visited urban parks in the world with more than 42 million visitors annually.

“We are thrilled that the work of the Conservancy has resulted in more people enjoying the Park,” Smith said. “The increased number of visitors presents a new challenge for the Conservancy to protect our beautiful but fragile landscapes. Tim is joining us at a critical moment as we focus on how to manage the increased use, while protecting the Park experience that New Yorkers have come to rely on for relief from the pressures of city life.”

“I’m joining a great team that accomplished one of the most important restorations in New York, bringing Central Park back to life,” Hassett said. “I’m thrilled to be part of the Conservancy for this next, very important chapter.”

Hassett is a seasoned operations executive who started his career with the New York Yankees and most recently, he served as Vice President of Stadium Operations for the National Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs.

Prior to those roles, Hassett led facilities operations at important public spaces such as the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Madison Square Garden (including Radio City Music Hall, The Beacon Theatre, and The Chicago Theatre), and Giants Stadium/Continental Airlines Arena at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in New Jersey.

Hassett is a graduate of Dartmouth College and holds an M.S. from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from Harvard Business School. His first day with the Conservancy was July 1.