It has now been about three months since Anthony Sorrentino officially took on the role as the CEO of the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

However, even before being installed into the role, Sorrentino was already highlighting’s the city’s park system and had sights on exactly what kind of leader he strived to be, writes Kyle Bagenstose for Grid Magazine.

Fairmount Park Conservancy is the largest parks-focused nonprofit in Philadelphia, leading one of the largest open space transformations in the city’s recent history with the $250 million overhaul of FDR Park in South Philadelphia.

Upon being appointed into this role, Sorrentino has strived to boost not only the physical quality of Philadelphia’s parks, but also their profile in civic life.

“The conservancy is … going on 29 years of age, and has been going through its own growth spurts all that time, and I think it’s matured into an organization that’s kind of ready to be more than one or two things,” Sorrentino said. “There’s a moment for greater, lower-‘a’ advocacy. That might be the next level of maturity for the organization.”

In his role, Sorrentino coordinates with over 100 park groups, navigates relationships with City officials, and has biweekly meetings with Philadelphia Parks Commissioner Susan Slawson, donors, and stakeholders to discuss the future of Philadelphia’s parks.

Read more about Anthony Sorrentino and his important role leading Philly’s largest park nonprofit in Grid Magazine.

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