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High Line Co-Founder Steps Down as President

By Rosa Goldensohn | January 26, 2015 1:02pm
 The co-founders of Friends of the High Line, Joshua David and Robert Hammond. 
The co-founders of Friends of the High Line, Joshua David and Robert Hammond. 
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Jeffrey Donenfeld

CHELSEA — The High Line's president is stepping down.

Park co-founder Joshua David said in an email Monday morning that he will leave his position as president of Friends of the High Line, the multi-million dollar organization that runs the park. 

“When Friends of the High Line reached 34th Street last fall, after opening the High Line at the Rail Yards, I knew it was time for me to start on a new path,” he wrote in the mass email. 

A spokeswoman for Friends of the High Line confirmed David's departure, but said he would continue his involvement as a board member. "After the 3rd section of the High Line opened last fall, and with the organization in such good shape, Josh felt this was the right time for him to step down as President and pursue something new," she wrote in an email. "We're thrilled that he will continue to be involved with the High Line."

This is the second time in six months that the park is losing a top staffer. Former High Line executive director Jenny Gersten stepped down in September after less than a year on the job. She had replaced fellow co-founder Robert Hammond, who is now back in the role.

David said that since Hammond decided to come back on board, he “felt secure that [he] could explore new endeavors with Friends of the High Line in strong hands.”

He added that he will remain "deeply involved" with the organization as a member of its board of directors.

Neither David nor Hammond responded to a request for comment.