GPC’s New Leadership and Board Members to Drive Transformative Changes to Grant Park

By Michelle Blackmon

Matthew Friesen, Director of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture for Jacobs, and Jason Winston, founder of Winston Media Group, have been re-elected as co-chairs to the Grant Park Conservancy Board of Directors. Friesen joined the GPC board in 2016, and Winston joined in 2015. They will continue their leadership of the 16-member board during a significant period of transformation for Atlanta’s oldest urban park.

“My wife Mandy and I count ourselves among the very fortunate to live in the thriving, diverse neighborhood of Grant Park. In gratitude to the city and place we call home, I felt an obligation to offer my time, skills, and passion as a landscape architect in service of the Grant Park Conservancy. The good work GPC is doing now and our vision for the future of the park are built upon decades of tireless work and the commitment of countless volunteers, conservancy members, dedicated staff, and board members past and present,” says Friesen.

Grant Park Conservancy is preparing to launch a multi-million-dollar capital campaign for significant park improvements. It recently received a $100,000 grant to support the restoration of the1896 Erskine Fountain, the iconic Lion Bridge, and further repairs to Milledge Fountain in the park.

“I love that Grant Park brings so many people together through recreation, exploration, relaxation, festivals, and family gatherings. It is an honor to serve on a board that is committed to restoring, preserving and beautifying the active and passive locations throughout the park for all its visitors to enjoy!” says Winston.

Over the past year, GPC has continued to build a board that represents diverse skills and an appreciation for the park. With that, GPC welcomed Bryan Coley, Georgia Power; John Dance, CNN; Sarah Pierre, 3 Parks Wine; Christine Primmer, Georgia Power; and Jill Strickland Luse, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity as new members in 2018.