NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 6, 2026)—The Nashville Parks Foundation (NPF) has selected Jane Grimes Meneely as its executive director, positioning the organization for its next phase of strategic impact.
 
Meneely is a Nashville-based operations and nonprofit leader whose career spans more than two decades of building organizational capacity across the civic, nonprofit and private sectors. She brings a track record of strengthening organizations, stewarding public and private resources, and developing partnerships that deliver measurable community impact.
 
“Jane is the right leader for this moment,” said Jillian Frist, board chair of the Nashville Parks Foundation. “She brings the focus and experience needed to strengthen support for Metro Parks and ensure more Nashvillians benefit from accessible, well-supported parks.”
 
Through her consulting practice, JGM Consulting, Meneely has advised nonprofits and organizations across multiple industries, helping them create stronger operational frameworks that advance their missions.
 
Her career includes serving as chief administrative officer for PENCIL, where she oversaw operations and financial management for the $2.2 million organization and led administration of a $4.6 million state grant. She has also held roles in Nashville’s healthcare, insurance and music industries, as well as serving as scheduling director for Karl Dean’s successful mayoral campaign.
 
“I’m honored to step into this role at such an important time for Nashville,” Meneely said. “Parks are essential infrastructure for a growing city because they support health, connection and quality of life. I look forward to working closely with Metro Parks, partners and supporters to ensure more Nashvillians have access to vibrant, welcoming public spaces.”
 
A Nashville native and Hillsboro High School graduate, Meneely has remained deeply engaged in the community through board service. She currently chairs the City School of Nashville Board of Trustees and has held leadership roles with Nashville Emerging Leaders, Nashville Classical Charter School and Nashville Education Community Arts Television.
 
Meneely holds a bachelor’s degree from Stephens College and completed Belmont University’s Mini-MBA program.
 
About the Nashville Parks Foundation
Founded in 2015, the Nashville Parks Foundation enhances Nashville’s parks for everyone through philanthropy, advocacy and community partnership. In alignment with Metro Parks, the Foundation directs private support to Metro-identified priorities to expand access, strengthen park spaces and deliver meaningful community impact. Learn more at nashvilleparksfoundation.org.