Charleston Parks Conservancy hires new director of development and communications

The Charleston Parks Conservancy has hired veteran marketing and fundraising professional Wallace “Dan” Daniel as its director of development and communications. He will assume his new role on May 18.

Daniel comes to the Conservancy from Raleigh, N.C., where he was the chief development officer and interim president & CEO of the Tammy Lynn Center. That organization provides residential, early childhood intervention, education, respite and therapy services to adults and children with varying intellectual, developmental and behavioral abilities.

“We are delighted to have Dan join our staff,” said Harry Lesesne, executive director of the Conservancy. “His success in building relationships led to a 200 percent increase in total philanthropy during his four years at the Tammy Lynn Center. We believe the Conservancy is uniquely positioned for just this type of growth.”

Prior to his work at Tammy Lynn Center, Daniel spent 30 years in corporate sales, marketing and management, the last 14 years in wealth management with Northwestern Mutual. He has served on several nonprofit boards, including Playspace (now known as Marbles Kids Museum), North Hills Club and White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Daniel is joining his wife, Tracey, who relocated to Charleston in February to join the pastoral staff of a local church. They have five adult children and, in their free time, enjoy walking and riding bikes.

“I am excited to be a part of this dynamic organization,” Daniel said. “Communities are defined by the ways in which they embrace and support all of their citizens, and having a commitment to provide accessible, safe and attractive parks for their use is an important and visible sign of that commitment. The Conservancy’s mission to inspire the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and together create stunning public spaces and a strong community truly resonates with me.”

For more than 10 years, the Conservancy — through public-private partnerships — has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston. Notable projects include the complete renovation of Colonial Lake, the renovation of the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park as well as Allan Park, Wragg Square, McMahon Playground at Hampton Park, Magnolia Park and Community Garden, Marion Square, and Medway Park and Community Garden. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.