Adam Ganser - Executive Director

Adam Ganser has spent his career as a leader advocating for, designing, and developing creative urban scale public realm ideas that emphasize economic, environmental, and social impacts.

Prior to taking the helm at New Yorkers for Parks, Adam was vice president of planning and design for the High Line. During Ganser’s 10-year tenure, the High Line became one of the world’s most visited and celebrated public parks. Adam oversaw the preservation, design, and development of the third section of the High Line at Hudson Yards and led the High Line’s partnership with two mayoral administrations, city agencies, and elected officials. Adam was also instrumental in creating and developing the High Line Network, a consortium of infrastructure reuse public space projects across the nation.

Prior to the High Line, Adam worked for Enrique Norton at TEN Arquitectos in New York City focusing on urban scale projects including Orange County Great Park, a 1,400 acre reuse project for the former El Toro Marine Air Base in southern California.

Adam received a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, a Master of Architecture from Yale University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, his hometown. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two daughters.

Samantha Davis - Director of Development

Sam is the Director of Development at New Yorkers for Parks. To the team, Sam brings valuable experience in relationship development, partnership management and a deep commitment to strengthening communities. Prior to joining the NY4P team, Sam led fundraising strategy and donor events for a robust portfolio of nonprofit clients across the globe at AMHC. Sam believes storytelling, events and direct engagement are the cornerstone of successful fundraising. While not at work Sam enjoys hiking the Appalachian trail, puttering around in her pottery studio, restoring native plants in her garden and spending time with her family.

Daniel Abram - Project Manager: Research and Policy

Daniel is the Project Manager of Research and Policy, responsible for guiding research that informs and strengthens the policy recommendations of NY4P’s Five Point Plan. Prior to joining NY4P, he worked for Jericho Project, a homeless prevention non-profit, where he participated in internal organizational improvement as a QA Associate and Housing Access Manager, providing recommendations on the most effective methods of service delivery to people experiencing homelessness. Daniel holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University and a Master's in Public Policy from Hunter College. In his spare time, he cycles, spends time with his family, and writes short stories and screenplays.

Carl Nelson - Communications and Administrative Associate

Carl is the Administrative and Communications Associate, responsible for the development and execution of communications and fundraising strategy. Prior to joining NY4P, he worked for the Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities Network (EPIC-N), where he documented participatory urban planning and sustainability initiatives at universities nationwide. Carl holds a B.A. in American Studies from Bard College with a sociology concentration. In his spare time, he writes music, reads, and rides his bike.