A. J. Pietrantone
Executive Director
(212) 757-0981 x203
APietrantone@fohrp.org

A. J. took the helm of Friends of Hudson River Park in 2008, directing the organization’s advocacy, fundraising, outreach activities, and operations.  He serves as chief spokesman for the group while leading our campaign to complete, sustain, and protect the Park.  Pietrantone has a wide range of previous experience in both educational and environmental non-profit initiatives, including eight years as Director of Finance and Administration in the national headquarters of the Environmental Defense Fund.  Immediately prior to joining Friends, he was Executive Vice President of Rosie O’Donnell’s KidRo Productions, where he also served as Managing Director of Rosie’s Broadway Kids, and Chief Operating Officer for the affiliated For All Kids Foundation.  Prior to moving to New York, he served as the first Director of Finance for the Human Rights Campaign and Vice President for Administration at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.  He is also a former Adjunct Professor at the New School for Management and Urban Policy in New York City, and holds an MBA from George Washington University.

Blake Beatty
Development Director
(212) 757-0981 x207
BBeatty@fohrp.org

Blake joined Friends of Hudson River Park as Director of Development in December 2011, leading the organization’s efforts to secure private funding for the ongoing revitalization and future sustainability of Hudson River Park. Prior to joining Friends, she served as the Senior Development Officer for the National September 11 Memorial and Museum for five years. Selected by Chairman Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s chief fundraiser, she spearheaded the development and implementation of a $350 million dollar capital campaign. Previously, she served as an associate at Cathy Blaney & Associates, the nationally-recognized fundraising firm for the political and non-profit worlds. She holds a B.S. from St. Lawrence University.


Galin Brooks
Policy and Planning Associate
(212) 757-0981 x 202
GBrooks@fohrp.org

Galin manages Friends’ efforts in the long-range development and financial planning for Hudson River Park and coordinates related policy strategies and special projects, focusing on the Park’s connections to and relationship with the surrounding communities. Her background includes experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors, having worked in the Zoning Division of New York City’s Department of City Planning, as a research associate for the Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management, and as a fellow for the Manhattan Borough President’s Office. Galin is a graduate of New York University's Master of Urban Planning program, where she concentrated on community development, transportation planning and open space planning.

Brendan Sexton
Principal Consultant
brendan@sexton.net

Brendan advises Friends of Hudson River Park on strategies to complete, sustain and protect the Park.

Brendan served as New York’s City’s Director of Operations and Commissioner of Sanitation where he was responsible for instituting and implementing recycling.  He also served as President of the Times Square Business Improvement District and was formerly the President of the Municipal Arts Society, one of New York’s premier civic organizations, whose mission links urban planning and the promotion of the arts to create a more livable, beautiful city.  Brendan also served in senior positions with The Rockefeller Group, and the New York City Procurement Policy Board.  Brendan is also a former Clinical Professor at NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.  Brendan holds a Bachelor’s degree from New York University, where he graduated summa cum laude.

Katie Martinez
Program Coordinator
(212) 757-0981 x205
KMartinez@fohrp.org

Katie joined Friends of Hudson River Park in 2008 and has been responsible for the coordination of all our public programs and volunteer initiatives.  Prior to joining the organization, Katie held positions at other non-profits where she worked on special event management and events staff coordination.  Katie holds a Bachelor’s degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.