PROSPECT PARK — The Prospect Park Alliance announced on Monday the appointment of Morgan Monaco to the position of Alliance President and Administrator of Prospect Park. Ms. Monaco is the first Black president of the Alliance and has years of expertise in the public space sector.
“I am humbled to be able to take over the helm of such an incredible public amenity. As a born-and-raised New Yorker whose first high school internship was with NYC Parks, it is a dream come true to be able to steward one of the most significant parks in our city,” said Morgan Monaco, Prospect Park Alliance President and Prospect Park Administrator.
“I am excited to be joining such an incredible team at a moment where there is unprecedented awareness of and appreciation for the role parks play in the health of our city. I look forward to working with the board and staff to help keep Brooklyn’s Backyard truly welcoming for all New Yorkers.”
Before coming to the Alliance, Monaco worked at the Red Hook Initiative where she served as executive director. Red Hook Houses is Brooklyn’s largest public housing development – with over 6,500 residents – and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Monaco reportedly grew the organizations’ influence and impact in the community. Prior to working at the Red Hook Houses, she led a team in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Operations and worked in various governmental projects and the delivery of municipal services to the public.
“On behalf of the Alliance’s Board of Directors, I am thrilled to welcome Morgan Monaco as the new President of Prospect Park Alliance,” said Iris Weinshall, Chair of the Prospect Park Alliance Board of Directors.
“Morgan’s extensive parks and social service experience working at community-based nonprofits and city agencies has equipped her with exactly the right knowledge and expertise to successfully lead one of the city’s most cherished green spaces. I am excited to work with Morgan as her vision for Brooklyn’s Backyard comes to life.”
Monaco will begin acting in her new position in December as she transitions from the Red Hook Initiative to the Alliance. In her career, Monaco has led several projects through her tenure at the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, first as Deputy Director of the PlaNYC open space initiatives, then as Director of the MillionTreesNYC and later on Director of Stewardship for Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources. Monaco has a master’s in public administration and non-profit management from NYU Wagner and a bachelor’s in international studies from Vassar College.
Monaco is a native of New York who lives in Windsor Terrace with her husband, son and two cats– creatively named Raymour and Flannigan.
“From all of us at NYC Parks, congratulations to Morgan Monaco on her appointment as President of Prospect Park Alliance and Administrator of Prospect Park. We are so excited to welcome Morgan back to the Parks family!” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue.
“I know that Prospect Park will thrive under her leadership, and I’m excited to see her ideas come to life and enhance the park experience for Brooklynites and all New Yorkers.”
This article originally appeared on BrooklynEagle.com.
