Great Rivers Greenway welcomes four new staff members
Great Rivers Greenway has welcomed four new staff members to its team of professionals who are working to connect the St. Louis region through the development of greenways.
Sara Olmstead, of Belleville, has joined as greenway operations supervisor. She is responsible for supervising and performing greenway operations, maintenance and conservation efforts, primarily in the city of St. Louis in partnership with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. She will focus her efforts on Luther Ely Smith Park, the newly renovated Kiener Plaza, and the Mississippi Greenway, from the downtown Riverfront north to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Olmstead has worked as a horticulturist for the Lindbergh School District and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Her experience also includes time spent as a groundskeeper and public safety officer for Webster University and as a part-time horticulture instructor at Southwestern Illinois College.
Michael Carson, of south St. Louis County has joined as director of Finance and Administration. In this capacity, he will lead internal accounting finance, payroll and benefit functions and will also serve as a member of the organization’s leadership team. Carson has more than 30 years experience in financial management and accounting, including budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, strategic planning and contract negotiations. He has held senior management and financial oversight positions in both the private and not-for-profit sector, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of Jazz St. Louis.
Tina Heischmidt, of south St. Louis County, has been named accountant for the organization. She is tasked with overseeing accounts payable, fixed asset tracking, and financial reporting. Her prior experience includes more than 30 years financial administration and accounting management in both the private and public sectors. Most recently, she held the position of controller for Affiliate Merchandise Group. She also served as the assistant finance director and interim finance director for the city of Sunset Hills.
Tiffany Clinton, of University City, has been named administrative assistant, serving as the first point of contact for visitors to the Great Rivers Greenway office and visitor’s center. She is responsible for welcoming visitors, vendors and partners, as well as directing inquiries and greenway feedback to the appropriate resources. She will also assist with education of the organization’s mission and help staff with special projects and events. Clinton has worked as a Medical Assistant, Youth Care Specialist at Great Circle and Home Health Aide for Home Instead. She brings to Great Rivers Greenway a strong track record for customer service, organization, and conflict resolution.
“The knowledge and experience of our four new team members will be put to good use as Great Rivers Greenway continues to expand and care for the more than 110-mile network of greenways in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County,” said Mike Sorth, Great Rivers Greenway Chief Operating Officer. “Their collective skills will not only ensure excellent fiscal stewardship of the taxpayer’s investment, but also enhance our processes and communication as we work with many partners to expand the network of greenways to connect people to their rivers, parks and communities.”
About Great Rivers Greenway
Great Rivers Greenway connects the St. Louis region with greenways so people can explore their rivers, parks and communities, making it a vibrant place to live, work and play. For more information, visit www.GreatRiversGreenway.org.
— From the Illinois Business Journal
