Charleston Parks Conservancy is Growing with Added Programs, New Staff
To better accommodate its active role in Charleston’s city parks, the Charleston Parks Conservancy has added several new team members.
Patrick Dollason joined the Conservancy in an expansion of the horticultural team. He helps maintain the overall health and beauty of the plants and green spaces in parks maintained by the Conservancy while working with Park Angel volunteers in gardening activities. Before joining the Conservancy, Dollason owned and operated Dollason Landscapes LLC, focusing on the installation and management of small downtown gardens. Dollason also has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Clemson University.
Rachel Kelley has joined the Conservancy in the newly formed position of volunteer coordinator. She’ll be coordinating all aspects of volunteer opportunities for the Conservancy’s Park Angel volunteer force. Prior to joining the Conservancy, Kelley served as the education coordinator for Keep Charleston Beautiful and has previously worked in the hospitality industry.
Stephanie Lee has been hired as annual giving manager to further develop the Conservancy’s bench adoption program and manage grants and annual fund donor programs. Additionally, Lee is responsible for the Conservancy’s database and Park Angel donor stewardship. Prior to joining the Conservancy, Lee worked in development with the Medical University of South Carolina and managed donor programs at the newly renovated Charleston Gaillard Center. Lee has a bachelor’s degree in communication from the College of Charleston.
Jake Schoenberg has joined the Conservancy team as marketing and communications coordinator. A newcomer to the Charleston area, Schoenberg previously worked at a media agency in Northampton, Mass. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Isenberg School of Management.
Pam Zanowski has been hired as community engagement manager, a new position aimed at growing the Conservancy’s community programming. Zanowski will assist with ongoing public events and programs–including Teddy Bear Picnic and the Conservancy’s new Art in the Parks program–as well as create and implement new programs and activities to meet the needs of the community and residents in and around the city’s parks. Prior to joining the Conservancy, Zanowski worked in a variety of park and recreation positions including as recreation program superintendent for the City of Charleston.
In addition, Austin Nelson has taken on the role of special events manager. She manages the Conservancy’s Perennial donor program and is responsible for directing special events, including the Conservancy’s signature fundraiser, Party for the Parks. Prior to joining the Conservancy team, Nelson managed donor programs and events for the newly renovated Charleston Gaillard Center and the Charleston Wine + Food Festival.
A horticulturist with the Conservancy since 2010, Kellen Goodell has been promoted to zonal horticulturist overseeing the gardens at Colonial Lake. He leads the Park Angel volunteer groups in garden installation and regular maintenance at the lake.