Richmond outdoor education leader to lead Friends of the James River Park

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Richmond outdoor education leader has been named the new executive director of Friends of the James River Park.

On Friday, March 13, the Friends of the James River Park announced that Penelope Davenport Gorman will serve as the organization's new executive director following a nationwide search.

Gorman founded and managed the city's outdoor education team within the James River Park System over the past 11 years, where she led partnership development efforts and created new programs, among others. She will assume her duties effective Monday, March 16.

“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, in a press release. “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.”

Gorman succeeds Josh Stutz, who served as the organization's first director for four years.