Mary Meier is the new Executive Director of the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation.

A professional educator and dedicated conservationist, Mary comes to the Foundation from IslandWood, where she has served as Community Education Coordinator for the past six years.

She has previously worked as an educator, docent and ranger with such organizations as the Seattle Aquarium, National Audubon in Wisconsin, the Dennison Pequotepos Nature Center (Conn.), and Tennessee State Parks.

She and her family are residents of the Fort Ward neighborhood on Bainbridge Island.

“As an island resident with a family, I have such a deep appreciation and connection with our parks and trails, and I am so impressed with everything the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation has accomplished,” Mary says. “The pandemic has really emphasized the important role our parks play in our lives and community. I am excited to help build on the Foundation’s legacy of supporting this thriving system of parks and trails, and creating a shared sense of stewardship for these special spaces.”

Parks Foundation Board Chair Andy Maron says Mary emerged from a field of outstanding local and regional applicants to lead the growing organization.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Mary Meier as the Parks Foundation’s new Executive Director,” Andy says. “Mary brings the right blend of experience, expertise, personality and connections within our community.”

Mary succeeds Barb Trafton, who has served as executive director since 2014 and led the organization to considerable growth in that time. Barb will move into the Foundation’s newly created position of Projects Director.

Contact Mary Meier at mary@biparksfoundation.org.