Dear Friends,

We are writing today with good news about the leadership of Friends of the High Line.

We are pleased to tell you that Robert Hammond, Co-Founder of Friends of the High Line, will be returning to the organization as Interim Executive Director on Monday, October 20 following the completion of his Visiting Fellowship in residence at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

Until Robert arrives, FHL Co-Founder and President Joshua David will continue to oversee the organization and FHL’s many activities and operations. On October 20, Josh will return to his primary focus on fundraising and Board development. Josh is a man of many talents and the Board of Directors is deeply grateful to him for his willingness to wear two hats during this period, and for all that he continues to give to FHL.

Robert stepped down from the position of Executive Director of FHL at the end of 2013 after 15 years with the organization. It was the shared vision of both Josh and Robert that drove the creation of the extraordinary public park that the High Line has become since 1999 when they first met at a community board meeting. We are deeply grateful to Robert for temporarily stepping back into this role while he, Josh, and the Board of Directors work together to craft a long term leadership plan for FHL.

With the opening of High Line at the Rail Yards just a few weeks ago, we are turning our focus to deeper community programming as well as the completion of the design and construction of the spur at 30th Street and 10th Avenue. There is much to do, and we know we will get it done thanks to you, the dedicated staff, our partners and many supporters, and everyone who loves the High Line.

Thank you,

Catie Marron
Chair, Board of Directors, Friends of the High Line

Mario Palumbo
Vice-Chair, Board of Directors, Friends of the High Line