Richards will now lead the nonprofit dedicated to preserving, promoting and enhancing Jacksonville’s wilderness parks and preserves
Jacksonville, Fla., Dec. 17, 2024 – Timucuan Parks Foundation (TPF) has a new leader. Fred Richards has taken over the role of executive director for the nonprofit that preserves, promotes and enhances Jacksonville’s natural areas through community engagement, education and enjoyment. Richards brings nearly 30 years of experience in the nonprofit industry to TPF, most recently serving as the director of development at Mission House Inc., where he increased grant funding by more than 300% and was awarded the Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders Award.
“?On behalf of the board, we extend a warm welcome to our new executive director, Fred Richards,” said TPF Board Chair Bob Hays. “We are excited to embark on this new chapter under his leadership and look forward to working together to further the mission of the Timucuan Parks Foundation. We are confident that Fred’s enthusiasm for the outdoors and our Parks will guide our organization towards even greater success and we pledge our full support as he takes on this important role.”
Richards has a passion for the outdoors, which started in his youth. He grew up in Pennsylvania and enjoyed camping and taking weekly hikes on the Appalachian Trail. After earning his bachelor’s in recreation and leisure management, he served as an assistant wildlife biologist in Wyoming with the Bureau of Land Management. His first job in the nonprofit sector was with Kids Peace, where he introduced troubled youth to the outdoors through kayaking, hiking, and ropes course activities.
Richards’ nonprofit career includes service as vice president of planning, programs, compliance and inclusion at ElderSource in Jacksonville, vice president of community services at Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, development director for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, executive director of the Collier County Homeless Coalition, and as the director of adult community services of the David Lawrence Center.
In addition to his bachelor’s degree, Richards holds an M.B.A. and an M.S. in Health Care Administration from the University of St. Francis. He is an experienced grant writer securing nearly seven million in private and public grants throughout his career. Richards will combine his passion for the outdoors with his administrative skill sets to sustain and expand the impact of TPF.
Richards steps in for Mayda Velez, who has served as executive director for the last year. She is leaving the position to spend more time with family, including her elderly parents. Velez will remain with TPF until the end of the year to assist with the transition.
“Leading TPF has been an absolute privilege, and I am overjoyed to welcome Fred Richards as our new Executive Director,” said Velez. “With his outstanding nonprofit leadership experience and unwavering passion for the outdoors, Fred is ready to steer TPF toward an inspiring future filled with possibility. I am profoundly grateful to the remarkable staff, board, and volunteers who have poured their hearts into protecting and celebrating our wilderness parks. Together, we’ve created a legacy that will continue to thrive.”
About Timucuan Parks Foundation
The Timucuan Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization that preserves, promotes and enhances Jacksonville’s natural areas through community engagement, education and enjoyment. The foundation originated in 1999 with the Preservation Project Jacksonville, Inc. to identify and assist in acquiring the most vulnerable and environmentally sensitive lands in Duval County. The acquisition of lands created the largest urban park system in the United States. The Timucuan Parks Foundation works with its park partners, including the National Park Service, Florida State Parks and the City of Jacksonville, to promote environmental stewardship, the health benefits of the parks and preserves, and an appreciation for Jacksonville’s special outdoor spaces. For more information, visit timucuanparks.org or follow @timucuanparks.