Transformative Memorial Park Leader Saluted In an Enchanting Houston Night — Letting the Great Outdoors Thrive
A New CEO Steps Forward
BY Shelby Hodge // 05.04.25
Incoming park director Chris Ballard, Nancy & Rich Kinder, Shellye Arnold at the Memorial Park Conservancy gala. (Photo by Jenny Antill )
What: Memorial Park Conservancy’ The Park Ball
Where: The Clay Family Eastern Glades in the park
PC Moment: It was an enchanting Memorial Park Conservancy dinner evening that took place in a party tent festooned with fresh flowers and lighted with shimmering crystal chandeliers, all the while a gentle spring breeze wafted through the open-ended tent.
The event honored outgoing conservancy president and CEO Shellye Arnold, whose 11-year tenure was highlighted by the transformation of the park under the master plan created by landscape architects Nelson Byrd Woltz. In her honor, Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin issued a proclamation declaring it Shellye Arnold Day in Houston.
During the program, Memorial Park Conservancy board president Veronica Chapa Gorczynski revealed that Chris Ballard, who has been serving as interim president and CEO, has been officially awarded the full-time position.
Congrats to the enormous clutch of chairs — Julie and Casey Doherty, Betsy and John Garibaldi, Gayle and Richard Hightower, Tammy and Steven Jenkins, Linda Lorelle and Lou Gregory, Gary Moss, Amy and Adam Newar, Carrie and Al Pepi, Carol and John Porter, and Anita and Gerald Smith.
Father's Day Gifts
Their efforts and support saw Memorial Park coffers enriched by $750,000, funds dedicated to supporting the day-to-day care of Houston’s signature park, including its 1,100 acres of urban forest, savanna and prairie. This land is home to hundreds of wildlife and plant species.
The Events Company handled the festive decor while City Kitchen served another of its impeccable dinners. Following dinner, the David Caceres Jazz Quintet entertained.
PC Seen: Chris and Aubrey Ballard, Nancy and Rich Kinder, Thomas Woltz, Veronica Chapa Gorczynski and John Gorczynski, Andrea and Giles Kibbe, Roxann and Tim Neumann, Rogene Gee Calvert, Emily Clay and Bill Schneidau, Kalinda Campbell, Kevin Foyle, Lissa and Farzanah Gangjee, Lisa Helfman, Elizabeth and Tom Howley, George Johnston and Jaime Loera, Chris Newport, Annise Parker, Dhiren and Anila Shethia.
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