After a nationwide search, the Regional Parks Foundation announces the appointment of a new Executive Director, Lauren Bernstein, to lead the nonprofit organization now in its 54th year.
The Foundation’s mission is to support the East Bay Regional Park District, the largest regional park district in the country, through fundraising to provide universal access, environmental stewardship, educational and recreational programs and the acquisition of parklands. Ms. Bernstein starts her role on June 14, 2023.
“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Bernstein in this pivotal role to lead the Regional Parks Foundation to further strengthen its mission and impact, and grow its fundraising potential to benefit our parks and the generations of community members and park visitors to come,” said Les Hausrath, Board President of the Regional Parks Foundation.
Ms. Bernstein brings a strong philanthropic background to the Foundation with experience in nonprofit management, strategy, and fundraising. Over the past decade, she has raised millions of dollars across an array of public sector areas. As executive director and an East Bay resident who loves parks, she will oversee and administer the operations of the Foundation, and lead, develop and implement program initiatives of the Foundation as well as oversee philanthropic opportunities.
“I am honored to serve as the Executive Director of the Regional Parks Foundation. I look forward to raising much needed philanthropic funding that will support critical Park District initiatives, as well as support our mission and work toward universal access, diversity and inclusion, and stewardship of our environment.”
Previously, Ms. Bernstein was principal of a nonprofit consulting firm and served as Director of Development at Glide Foundation in San Francisco where she successfully led a team and raised millions of dollars to support programs for unhoused individuals and families. She has also served in management and fundraising roles at Bay Area and Los Angeles nonprofit organizations.
She has a Master of Public Administration from New York University, Wagner School of Public Service, and a Bachelor of Science from University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business. Ms. Bernstein is a frequent visitor to East Bay Regional Parks and looks forward to engaging the community and supporters.
The Regional Parks Foundation supports the East Bay Regional Park District through fundraising to provide universal access, environmental stewardship, educational and recreational programs and the acquisition of parklands.
