WILLIAMSBURG — The Parks Department's North Brooklyn section and the non-profit Open Space Alliance are searching for one new person to lead both groups, sources told DNAinfo.com.
Stephanie Thayer, who was the executive director of the Open Space Alliance non-profit for park advocacy and the administrator for North Brooklyn Parks, was recently removed from both posts, officials confirmed, and the chair of OSA's Board said one new person would be selected to fill both positions.
"I expect the new OSA executive director will also be North Brooklyn Parks administrator," OSA's chair Steve Hindy said of the two roles, which include the responsibilities of overseeing McCarren Park and Pool, the East River State Park, Cooper Park, and many other projects in the area.
Currently another staff member at OSA, Kurt Cavanaugh, is overseeing the outdoor concerts at 50 Kent Ave. and the planning of this winter's ice rink at McCarren Pool, Hindy said.
"The OSA Board decided to seek new leadership to better address development and strategic organizational challenges in North Brooklyn," said Hindy, who is also the founder of Brooklyn Brewery. "Stephanie Thayer continues as North Brooklyn Parks Administrator for a transitional period."
The Parks Department would not comment on whether one person would be selected for the two roles, but would only confirm that a change of leadership was occurring.
"Open Space Alliance, in consultation with NYC Parks, has made a decision to pursue a change of leadership at its organization," a spokeswoman for the Parks Department said. "Both Parks and OSA credit Stephanie Thayer with advancing several key initiatives for this important area of the City, and the Parks Department looks forward to discussing her next NYC Parks role with her during the transitional period."
Thayer did not respond to calls requesting comment.
