Wed, Jan 10
|Zoom
Gina Hancock, Executive Director of the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy
Time & Location
Jan 10, 2024, 7:00 AM
Zoom
About the event
The TN State Parks Conservancy is a publicly supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with the Tennessee State Parks system. We support projects and programs that span multiple parks. We help fill in the gaps for parks that don’t have a Friends group and work in alliance with those that do. Mission: The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy supports education, health, and access programs that preserve, protect, and enhance Tennessee’s natural areas and parks system. History: TSPC was established in 2016 as a nonprofit partner to the Tennessee State Parks. It was created through the enthusiasm and dedication of TN State Parks team members. At the time, the organization was classified as a supporting organization and was incubated in the TN State Parks offices. Through time and leadership changes, the TN State Parks Conservancy branched out and is now fully independent of the TN State Parks. We continue to be the park's biggest fans and pledge to do all we can to support them and get Tennesseeans, especially our under-resourced youth, into them.
In a career spanning three decades, Gina Hancock has forged a legacy distinguished by creativity, strategic acumen, and centered in values-based work. Originally a journalist in both print and radio, Gina seamlessly transitioned into the realm of broader communications. This journey included notable roles at a Nashville bank, ultimately leading to a significant chapter as the Tennessee state director for The Nature Conservancy. During her tenure, tens of thousands of acres of land have been conserved, and some of the most vulnerable species have been saved. Following a fulfilling tenure at the Tennessee Chapter, Gina's 17-year trajectory concluded with her retirement as the Conservation Director for a global team.
Maintaining an unwavering passion for nonprofit endeavors, Gina redirected her focus towards addressing critical issues such as affordable housing and food insecurity. Collaborating on affordable housing initiatives, Gina co-created Welcome Home!: The Movement for Affordable Housing, a coalition advocating policy changes across Nashville. A pivotal collaboration with Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms, and the Paisleys resulted in the launch of The Store, a nonprofit grocery store in Nashville. This venture set the stage for a subsequent role at Virginia Tech, where Gina tackled the pressing issue of student hunger.
Returning to the roots of land conservation and sustainability, Gina currently spearheads the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy. Actively engaged, Gina plays a pivotal role in supporting and fundraising for the organization's state park goals.
Gina lives in east Nashville with her amazing wife Donna and their incredible daughter Stella. Gina, an avid Formula One fan, finally, after many years, brought her longtime friend, Brenda Gadd, along for the speedy ride of Formula One fandom.
Passcode: 6dTP6&4T