ST. LOUIS, October 8, 2013– Forest Park Forever has expanded its senior staff with the addition of Faith Maddy as Vice President of Development and Campaigns, and Stephen Schenkenberg as Strategic Communications Director.

Maddy and Schenkenberg have joined the organization as part of Forest Park Forever’s long-term growth plan and will play an instrumental role in furthering the success of Forest Park Forever’s unique public/private partnership with the City of St. Louis.  They will help ensure the success of Forest Park Forever’s endowment fundraising efforts, as well as bolster several critical park restoration projects.

The announcement comes on the heels of The American Planning Association’s (APA) designation of Forest Park as one of 10 Great Public Spaces for 2013, under the organization’s Great Places in America program. APA singled out Forest Park, the “heart” and “crown jewel of St. Louis,” for its enduring design, thoughtful restoration, excellent cultural institutions and complete visitor experience enjoyed by a diverse cross section of the community. 

“Since Forest Park Forever’s inception, we’ve pursued a singular vision: To improve, restore and maintain one of our city’s most prized possessions,” said Lesley Hoffarth, president and executive director of Forest Park Forever. “In just over two decades, we have made tremendous strides in our efforts, thanks to our productive partnership with the City of St. Louis and the contributions of our staff, board of directors, donors and partners.

“Now Faith and Stephen bring us the energy and expertise to help us take that vision to the next level and ensure that Forest Park can be enjoyed by St. Louisans and visitors alike for many, many more years to come.”

Maddy has extensive development experience with St. Louis nonprofits, including most recently her six-year tenure as vice president of alumni and development programs at Webster University. There, she oversaw the successful completion of the university’s $55 million comprehensive campaign.

Prior to joining Webster, Maddy was vice president of development for the St. Louis Symphony where she managed all fundraising and volunteer initiatives — including the completion of the $40 million Taylor Family Matching Endowment Challenge. In 2010, she was recognized as Outstanding Professional of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ St. Louis chapter.

Schenkenberg will lead Forest Park Forever’s communications department and be responsible for developing strategic initiatives and campaigns to advance and support the organization’s restoration projects and endowment efforts.

Schenkenberg’s broad range of communications experience includes his most recent position as senior strategist and content director at TOKY Branding + Design, where he developed strategic messaging and helped craft print and online projects for a range of clients. Previously, Schenkenberg served as the Editor-in-Chief of St. Louis Magazine and as a development and external affairs writer for the Saint Louis Art Museum. He is an active board member of Prison Performing Arts, where he serves as Vice Chairman. 

About Forest Park Forever

In 1986, Forest Park Forever, a private, not-for-profit organization, was founded to work in partnership with the City of St. Louis and the department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry to restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park as one of America’s great urban public parks for the enjoyment of all — now and forever.

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