Dix Park Conservancy Names New Board Leadership and Welcomes New Directors
Seven community leaders join the board to support the future of Dix Park
RALEIGH, N.C. (July 1, 2026) — The Dix Park Conservancy Board of Directors is pleased to announce its 2026-27 board officers and welcome seven new directors whose leadership, expertise and commitment to community will help advance the Conservancy's mission and support the future of Dix Park.
Former Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane will serve as Board Chair, leading a board that includes Vice Chair Kody Kinsley, Secretary Marquita Robertson and Treasurer Orage Quarles III.
McFarlane has been a longtime champion of Dix Park and thoughtful growth across Raleigh. A pharmacist and entrepreneur, she founded MedPro Rx and built it into one of the Triangle’s most successful small businesses before serving four terms as Raleigh’s mayor. As mayor, she was instrumental in securing the original lease agreement that brought the Dix property to the City of Raleigh, laying the groundwork for the park that exists today.
Kinsley, who will serve as Vice Chair, is a national policy strategist and former North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services. Known for pairing bipartisan vision with operational discipline, he expanded health coverage and strengthened behavioral health systems across the state.
Robertson, serving as Secretary, is Executive Director of The Collaborative, where she leads efforts to close North Carolina's wealth gap through financial education, advocacy and cross-sector partnerships. She also serves on several statewide nonprofit and civic boards.
Quarles, who will serve as Treasurer, is a distinguished media executive and business leader who served as publisher of The News & Observer for 16 years and held leadership roles at newspapers across the country. He previously served as Board Chair of the Conservancy from 2021 to 2024. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for civic engagement, economic development and community investment.
The leadership transition follows the Conservancy's annual board meeting. It marks the beginning of a new fiscal year focused on advancing public engagement, philanthropy and long-term support for one of the nation's largest urban parks.
"I want to thank Bill Ross for his leadership as Board Chair for the past two years, and all of our outgoing board members for their dedicated service to the Conservancy. We’re excited to welcome this accomplished group of community leaders to the board," said Nancy McFarlane, Board Chair of Dix Park Conservancy. "Each brings a depth of experience and a shared commitment to ensuring that Dix Park continues to grow as a place that serves and inspires all North Carolinians."
The Conservancy also welcomes seven new members to its Board of Directors:
Asha Agarwal, Asha and Sajjan Agarwal Foundation
Bose Bratton, Wake Stone Property Company
Carlton Midyette Jr., Creedmoor Partners, LLC
Kellie Falk, Drucker + Falk, LLC
Patrick Barratt, Marcus & Millichap
Dr. Randy Woodson, NC State University (Chancellor Emeritus)
Tom Dunham, SynTerra Corp
The incoming class represents a diverse range of experience across philanthropy, higher education, environmental stewardship, business leadership, public policy and community development.
The Conservancy is deeply grateful to its outgoing board members, whose years of service, generosity and tireless advocacy have helped grow the Conservancy into the organization it is today: Jay Spain, Anne Franklin, Colleen Briggs, Jay Chaudhuri, Ed Fritsch, Dr. Mark Hoversten, Siobhan Millen, Adam Rodney and Carter Worthy.
Continuing their service in a new capacity, Carter Worthy, Ed Fritsch, Siobhan Millen, and former board member Marjorie Hodges will join the Trustee Council, a group of longtime supporters who provide guidance and advocacy for the Conservancy's mission.