New Yorkers For Parks Taps Joel Steinhaus As New Chair

New Yorkers for Parks, a leading parks research and advocacy nonprofit in New York City, has appointed Citigroup executive Joel Steinhaus as its new chair.

Steinhaus, the 32-year-old chief of staff to Citigroup Chairman Michael O’Neill, takes the reins from the co-chair of Greenberg Traurig’s New York City office, former councilman Ed Wallace, whose term will end following the organization’s annual fundraiser on October 14.

“There are many things that make New York the greatest city in the world,” said Mr. Steinhaus. “But I think the list is smaller for things that make this city truly liveable—and parks and open spaces are at the top.”

The nomination, which was confirmed this afternoon by the nonprofit’s board of directors, puts Steinhaus at the forefront of the organization during a time when the de Blasio administration is determining its agenda for the city’s thousands of acres of green space. Steinhaus said his foremost priority as chairman will be getting the city's business community and younger professional set more engaged with parks and open spaces in the five boroughs.

Former New York City Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler, who recruited Steinhaus to Citigroup, said, “Parks belong to the people, and it is critical they have a voice in their use, support and preservation. Joel's intelligence and creativity will serve New Yorkers for Parks incredibly well.”  

Prior to joining Citigroup, Steinhaus, a native of Kansas City, helped launch NBC News' Education Nation, a platform which united corporations, public officials, teachers and cross-sector leaders in a conversation about U.S. education—a model he aims to draw upon in this role.

"Bringing together the private and public sectors has become increasingly important to the sustainability of our city’s parks," said Diana Taylor, a member of Citigroup’s board of directors and chair of the Hudson River Park Trust. “Joel cares deeply about the future of this city—and understands how integral a part our parks play in that success for everyone."