‘Forever Balboa Park’ Outgoing President, CEO Lands Smithsonian Job

Nonprofit organization Forever Balboa Park announced Friday that its outgoing president and chief executive officer is leaving to become the founding director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum in Washington, D.C.

Until a new leader is named to replace Elizabeth C. Babcock, senior staff members Jackie Higgins and Phillip Sammuli will oversee Forever Balboa Park, which describes its mission as “to improve and advance Balboa Park so people and nature thrive together.”

Babcock said she is “so grateful for the exceptional people” she worked with her time tenure at Forever Balboa Park.

“It has been an honor to be a steward of this exceptionally historic, nature-rich and diverse park,” Babcock said in a statement.

“From the hundreds of trees we planted to the hundreds of thousands of park visitors we served during my time here, I have been struck by the passion and love people have for the park and their willingness to volunteer, donate and advocate for it.”

Babcock will remain the group’s leader through April, while its board of trustees will work with a search firm to find a new president and CEO, officials said.

Doug Kerner, Forever Balboa Park board chair and trustee, praised Babcock for her accomplishments, including a new strategic plan and securing a special-use permit that advanced its Botanical Building and Gardens Campaign.

“Elizabeth was able to harness the energy of our trustees, volunteers, donors, members and staff and establish the foundational elements for our organization to thrive,” Kerner said.

City News Service contributed to this report.