Elizabeth W. Smith
Elizabeth Weinberg Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1952 or 1953 Rye, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Nonprofit leader, former government official |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Known for | President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy; Assistant Commissioner at NYC Department of Parks and Recreation |
Elizabeth Weinberg Smith (born 1952 or 1953) is an American leader in the nonprofit sector and a former government official. She currently holds the position of President and CEO at the Central Park Conservancy, a nonprofit organization responsible for financing 75% of Central Park's yearly expenses and managing the park’s extensive 843-acre grounds. Smith directs the organization's strategic initiatives, operational management, capital development, public outreach programs, fundraising efforts, marketing strategies, and communications.
Her previous role includes serving as Assistant Commissioner at the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation during Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration, following a 25-year tenure in the financial industry.
Early life
Born in either 1952 or 1953 in Rye, New York, Smith completed her education at Rye Country Day School and later graduated from Scripps College, where she earned membership in Phi Beta Kappa. After finishing her studies, she relocated to Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Career
Smith assumed the role of President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy on March 1, 2018. Prior to this appointment, she had been a member of its Board since 2014 and contributed to the Advisory Board of the Institute for Urban Parks, which serves as the Conservancy’s educational branch.
During her tenure as NYC Parks Assistant Commissioner under Bloomberg’s leadership, Smith was responsible for managing the department’s concession operations, coordinating major events held on city parklands, and fostering partnerships with conservancies and public-private collaborations. Her duties also encompassed overseeing marketing efforts, corporate sponsorships, and guiding strategic projects related to organizational planning, human resources, and branding. In recognition of her leadership, she was honored with NYC Parks’ Commissioner's Award in 2011.
Following her departure from NYC Parks in 2013, Smith continued her advocacy for urban green spaces by serving on the boards of Friends of the High Line and the Open Space Institute. She also held the position of Vice Chair at New Yorkers for Parks while maintaining her involvement with the Central Park Conservancy.
Before entering public service in 2002, Smith built a 25-year career in finance. She started in commercial banking at JPMorgan Chase, then transitioned into venture capital and private equity roles at Prospect Group Inc., as well as family offices such as those associated with Harry F. Oppenheimer and Rockefeller Financial Group. Subsequently, she oversaw client services and financial operations at Sotheby's.
In addition to her work with parks organizations, Smith chairs the Board of the Library of America, a nonprofit dedicated to publishing American literary works. Her board service also includes positions with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and her alma mater Scripps College.
Personal life
Smith married Rick Cotton in 2011. Cotton was appointed by Andrew Cuomo in 2017 as Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. On March 9, 2020, both Smith and Cotton tested positive for SARS-CoV-2—the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019—and subsequently self-isolated at home.