ALLENTOWN, Pa. — With more than 25 years of nonprofit management and fundraising experience, Ruffian Tittmann has been selected as the inaugural executive director of The Allentown Parknership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding and enhancing the city’s parks, playgrounds and recreation programs. She will begin her role on March 31, 2025.

Tittmann joins the Parknership after 18 years at Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW), the oldest and largest nonprofit volunteer organization working in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. As FOW’s executive director since 2020, Tittmann led a team of 17 and directed all operational, programmatic, financial and fundraising strategies. She previously served as both FOW’s deputy director and director of development and operations during her tenure.

Her time at FOW was preceded by seven years of development and fundraising work in Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

“Ruffian’s deep expertise in managing parks-related public-private partnerships, engaging donors and developing programs to meet community needs will be essential to the Parknership’s success as a new organization,” said Board Chair Simon Moore. “The Board is excited to introduce her to the Allentown community, where we are sure she will quickly feel welcome and – more importantly – make a positive difference in the lives of all residents.”

The Allentown Parknership executive director is charged with shaping and building an impactful and sustainable organization by overseeing the development and implementation of The Parknership’s initial vision and strategy. The executive director will work with the Board to plan and implement the nonprofit’s operating model, fundraising strategy, projects, administration, staffing, marketing and community engagement.

“I can’t think of a better place for the next chapter of my career than Allentown. We have an enormous opportunity to build community trust and support for the Parknership from the ground up,” said Tittmann, “Allentown’s parks generate passions similar to what we had at FOW. I’ve heard many stories about people’s cherished memories, from attending special events in the parks to the important role that parks played in the routine of daily life. There is real pride in the Allentown parks system and a genuine interest in supporting it. I am honored to have the privilege to help drive this organization forward with the Board of Directors to capture this enthusiasm and allow it to fuel progress throughout the city.  I am excited about the opportunity to work closely with key stakeholders, especially the City of Allentown Parks and Recreation Department.”

Moore said, “I would like to thank our top-notch, local search committee for their work to identify a candidate as talented, dedicated and with such directly applicable experience as Ruffian. Together, these experienced professionals worked with national search firm, Koya Partners, to identify and secure Ruffian’s leadership for the Parknership.”

About The Allentown Parknership

The Allentown Parknership was launched last year to collaborate with the City of Allentown to expand and enhance the city’s parks, playgrounds and recreation programs to meet the community’s varied needs. It will raise money, seek grants and undertake other fundraising activities. Funds will be used to realize projects and initiatives including those identified in an upcoming comprehensive plan – a plan that is being developed in partnership with the City and its residents. The Allentown Parknership builds on the legacy of General Harry C. Trexler, considered by many to be the founder of the Allentown Park System. More information is available — and donations can be made — at www.allentownparknership.org

Information provided to TVL by:
Michael Drabenstott