Charleston Parks Conservancy names new members to Board of Directors

The Charleston Parks Conservancy, dedicated to caring for and enhancing 26 parks, gardens, and trails across Charleston, announces the appointment of new members to its Board of Directors. The Board plays a critical role in providing governance, strategic direction, and oversight to advance the Conservancy’s mission of connecting people to their parks through thoughtful stewardship and community investment.

“Charleston’s parks are essential places for connection, restoration, and shared experience,” said George J.F. Bullwinkel, III, Board Chair of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “Our Board members bring deep professional expertise, local perspective, and a genuine commitment to enhancing these spaces for generations to come. Their leadership helps ensure our parks continue to serve the entire community.”

Andy Batkins, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Woodlock Capital, leads global business development, capital markets, and brokerage for the firm. Since co-founding Woodlock Capital, Batkins has participated in more than $400 million in real estate transactions across multifamily, hospitality, and mixed-use projects, structuring both private and institutional capital. A Charleston resident for more than 18 years, he began his career serving the community as a firefighter with the City of Charleston.

Cindy Cline, Principal of Wertimer + Cline Landscape Architects, brings more than 30 years of experience in landscape architecture, blending horticulture, design, and craftsmanship. Her career began at the Central Park Conservancy in New York, where she worked on major park renovations and planting design. Since relocating to Charleston in 2005, Cline has led an active practice focused on private residential landscapes, parks, and public spaces along the East Coast, with a dedication to creating enduring landscapes.

Jessica Hofford, lawyer and community advocate, is a fourth-generation Charlestonian and a leading force behind the revitalization of Plymouth Park. With professional experience spanning business administration, hospitality, real estate development, and land-use law, Hofford has served both in private practice and as in-house counsel. In 2021, she co-founded Friends of Plymouth Park in partnership with the Charleston Parks Conservancy and the City of Charleston, leading efforts that have secured more than $850,000 for park improvements.

Rebecca Blackman Ramsay, Co-owner of The Respite & Revelry Co., brings experience across communications, hospitality, and historic renovation. She built her career in public relations and marketing before expanding into a boutique firm specializing in historic renovation, interior design, and thoughtfully curated short-term rentals. Ramsay served on the Party for the Parks committee for six years, chairing the event for four, and remains actively involved in Charleston’s arts, education, and community organizations.

These new Board members join a diverse leadership team, including Ross Appel, George J.F. Bullwinkel, III (Board Chair), Lisa Field (Development Committee Chair), Sean Holleran, Greer Hostetter (Programs Committee Chair), Angela Johnson, Jason Kronsberg, Harry Lesesne (President Emeritus), Leonardo D. Reeder (Horticulture Committee Chair), Kristine Schmitz, Alysann Sieren (Secretary), Amanda Slade, Sean Sykes (Treasurer), and Leslie Turner, strengthening the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s leadership and its stewardship of Charleston’s parks, gardens, and trails.

The Charleston Parks Conservancy extends its gratitude to Mary Tilt Hammond and Katharine “Kitty” Robinson for their leadership and dedicated service on the Board of Directors.

For more information about Charleston Parks Conservancy and its initiatives, please visit www.charlestonparks.org.

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy secures 90% of the funding required to maintain 26 parks, gardens, and trails across the city through private and corporate donations, while the City of Charleston covers 10% of the costs. The Conservancy team provides year-round park care, focusing on strategic seasonal plantings, major park revitalizations, and sustainable maintenance. In 2024 alone, the organization planted over 46,000 plants and 1,000 trees, donated two tons of fresh produce and 1,200 fresh flower bouquets grown in its parks and gardens, and advocated for the vital role of parks in urban life. Through 180 hours of free programming annually, including popular events like the Teddy Bear Picnic, the Conservancy cultivates vibrant, welcoming green spaces that serve as hubs for recreation, relaxation, and community connection. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.