The Board of Directors of the Esplanade Association is pleased to announce Jen Mergel has been named the first James and Audrey Foster Executive Director.
Beginning June 1, 2023, Mergel will lead the non-profit dedicated to revitalizing and maintaining the iconic 64-acre park along the Charles River while providing engaging programming that benefits the broad community.
Mergel is a nationally respected cultural leader and contemporary art curator dedicated to her hometown of Boston. Prior to joining the Esplanade Association, she served as Senior Advisor for Cultural Partnerships and Parks Equity, Director of Experience and Cultural Partnerships, and Guest Curator for the award-winning exhibition, Fog x FLO Fujiko Nakaya, at the Emerald Necklace Conservancy. She built the Conservancy’s capacity to invite more inclusive and impactful park experiences through partnerships with history keepers, change agents, and thought leaders in public art and design as well as cultural stewardship. The newly endowed position was established by a generous contribution from philanthropists James and Audrey Foster, and Jen Mergel will be the first James and Audrey Foster Executive Director. Beginning June 1, Jen can be reached at jmergel@esplanadeassociation.org. She looks forward to working with you, our Park’s dedicated supporters, partners, and neighbors in our shared care and enjoyment of this signature public space. Photo ©Morgan Anderson. Courtesy of Emerald Necklace Conservancy
