After a nationwide search, our Board of Directors has announced the selection of Penelope Davenport Gorman as the organization’s new Executive Director.
If she looks familiar, it’s because she’s long been a Park fixture. Over the past eleven years, Gorman founded and managed the City’s outdoor education team, leading partnership development efforts, creating new programs, and advancing policies to strengthen the Park’s role as a cornerstone of Richmond’s identity.
“We are thrilled to welcome Penelope as the new Executive Director because her passion and priorities align perfectly with the mission and purpose of Friends of the James River Park,” said Dave Broocke, president of the FOJRP Board. “After a rigorous search, Penelope was clearly the candidate with the vision and skills to lead the organization and build on the growth we have enjoyed over the past decade.”
“Penelope rose to the top of the candidate list due to her outstanding leadership and organizational skills, coupled with her unwavering support of the Park,” said Janet Woodka, vice president of the FOJRP Board and Chair of the Board Search Committee. “Her experience and her commitment to collaboration will strengthen our organization and our partnerships to ensure that the James River Park System thrives for generations to come.”
“I am honored and excited to be taking on this leadership role and to serve an organization so deeply connected to the heart and soul of Richmond,” said Penelope Gorman. “The Park is much more than a natural treasure. It is a source of vitality, resilience, and joy for our entire community. I am eager to take on the challenges ahead like bringing the Nature Exploration Area on Belle Isle – a natural play area – to life and pursuing invasive species management projects throughout the Park. I’m also excited to strengthen relationships with our partners, supporters, and neighbors throughout Richmond so we can protect and enhance these amazing spaces for everyone who visits the Park.”
She is an avid whitewater kayaker and mountain biker, and lives in the Forest Hill Neighborhood. She will assume her duties effective March 16, 2026.
Gorman succeeds Josh Stutz, who served as the FOJRP’s first Executive Director for four years.
