Janet Cowell

President & CEO

Janet brings a passion for nature, history, and design and 30 years of experience in both public and private sector roles, including state treasurer, chief executive officer, corporate director, state senator, and city councilor. Her broad and diverse career experience spans finance, education, and healthcare in the United States and abroad. She has been engaged with the Park since its inception and immediately before joining the staff team, she served on the Dix Park Conservancy Board.

Nick Smith

Chief of Staff

Nick has served on the planning side of the project, participating in the Master Plan and early Phase 1 projects, before joining the Conservancy as Chief of Staff. At the Conservancy, Nick facilitates the public-private partnership between the City of Raleigh and the Dix Park Conservancy and leads strategic planning efforts around project advocacy and park development, manages special projects, and coordinates staff and board operations.

Rob Maddrey

VP of Development

Rob brings more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. He comes to the Conservancy from the NC Center for Nonprofits where he was the Chief Sustainability Officer. As the VP of Development, Rob oversees the comprehensive campaign for philanthropy including community giving, grant writing and stewardship. He also collaborates with the Board & CEO on all development activities to facilitate and strengthen the organization’s fundraising efforts. Rob is a lifelong choral musician and currently sings tenor with the choir of the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Oakwood Waits, and the North Carolina Master Chorale.

Nick Neptune

Director of Outreach

Nick is a civic entrepreneur, advocate, and educator. As Director of Outreach, he works with the team, city, and region in ensuring the creation of Dix Park's remarkable civic space that unites and strengthens our growing and diverse community. He currently serves as the Board Chair and President of Oaks and Spokes, Raleigh’s bicycling and sustainable transportation advocacy nonprofit, recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as the 2021 Bicycle Club of the Year, and was further honored with the City of Raleigh’s 2020 Environmental Award in Sustainability and Climate Action in Transportation.

Michelle Panek

Executive Assistant & Board Relations Manager

Michelle is a native Washingtonian and has a BA in Communications from James Madison University. She loves photography, art, cooking, and enjoying a beautiful day hiking in the forest or on a beach. She spent her career managing board and education programs at nonprofits in DC before moving to Raleigh six years ago. In her off-time she can be found spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their Puggle named Cooper.

Trey Roberts

Manager of Community Engagement

Trey combines his passion for community building, local advocacy, and the arts in his role to expand community engagement and collaboration at the Conservancy. He is a co-founder of Raleigh Pride and earned a BA in Communications from William Peace University. He is a proud member of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe. When Trey isn’t working, he’s probably watching a movie.

Lisa Genschel

Development Manager

Lisa brings corporate and non-profit career experience to her role as Development Manager, providing organizational, project management, and relationship skills to our fundraising team. She is an avid reader with a special love of picture books. Lisa enjoys activities in and around water, having recently discovered kayaking. She earned a B.S. from Purdue University in Financial Planning & Counseling and has made Raleigh home since 1987.

Anna Rodriguez

Development Data Manager

Anna is a lover of nature, animals, and all things wild. She earned an MS in Public Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and spent her career working with non-profits that focus on social justice, education, and the environment. As the Database Manager, she gets to indulge her love of numbers and information.

Christy J. Smith

Content Marketing Specialist

Christy grew up in the Piedmont of North Carolina and is a first-gen college graduate and the granddaughter of tobacco & cotton tenant farmers. She has an M.A. in English Lit and worked as a graphic designer and communications manager in university & non-profit settings before joining the Dix Park Conservancy team. She enjoys spending time in nature with her son, making music and reading books about ecosystem science.

Courtney Bagans

Administrative Assistant

Courtney is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys spending time biking, reading, and picnicking with friends in local parks. She joins the Conservancy team with experience in nonprofit administration and operations, having supported both place-based collective impact initiatives and national nonprofit organizations in her previous roles. Courtney will begin graduate school in Fall 2024 at UNC-Chapel Hill to pursue a master's degree in public health with a focus on the environment and climate. She aims to use her professional and academic experience to promote vibrant cities by connecting communities to the outdoors and nature.