Dear Friends,
We write to share the news that our president Anne “Dede” Neal Petri is leaving the Olmsted Network to serve as the 24th Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Dede has been a leader in the historic preservation community for more than 25 years. In this new position, she will chair the board of the oldest historic preservation organization in the country and the oldest women’s patriotic association. Her leadership comes at a critical time as Mount Vernon and the country prepare to celebrate America 250 and the 300th anniversary of Washington’s birth.
For the past five years, Dede has been an exceptional leader and national spokeswoman for the vision and values of Frederick Law Olmsted and the Olmsted firm. In 2022, she successfully directed the nationwide Olmsted bicentennial celebration, Olmsted 200, engaging 10 national partners and hundreds of local partners around the country to examine and celebrate the work and values of Frederick Law Olmsted. She has grown institutional resources to the highest level in our history and expanded the organization’s network of parks and landscapes across the country.
Under her leadership, Olmsted Network has grown its staff, debuted a new website, inaugurated a nationwide program called the Olmsted Trail and completed a focused strategic planning process resulting in a revitalized mission, vision and values statement— as well as a new name.
It’s perhaps no surprise that these many accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. During Dede’s tenure, the Olmsted Network received the ASLA Olmsted Medal for “environmental leadership, vision and commitment to safeguarding the natural heritage of future generations” and the Olmsted Recognition Award from the Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice recognizing “efforts to preserve parks and green space…fundamental to the mental well-being of individuals.”
We are actively planning for the next phase of leadership to build on our successes and continue driving our mission forward. To help us in this effort, we are pleased to announce that Caroline Cunningham, former president of the Trust for the National Mall, will serve as interim director and direct the search for Dede’s successor. We welcome input from you as we proceed.
Please join us in extending our sincere appreciation to Dede for her dedication, vision and bold steps and in wishing her all the success in her new role.
Sincerely,
Philip Schultz & William Bell
Co-Chairs
Celebrate Dede and help us prepare for this new chapter in our history by making a donation today. Your support will allow us to continue championing Olmsted parks, places and principles through advocacy, education and stewardship.
