Jennifer Robinson, Executive Director

Jennifer joined the staff in August of 2013 after serving on the Board of Directors for 5 years, and as President of the board for the final two.  She manages the day-to-day operations of the organization, providing leadership and strategic vision, overseeing all fundraising efforts, administering contracts, managing partnerships, supervising staff, and developing innovations and new programs for the Friends of Patterson Park.  Jennifer has a master’s degree in public policy, and has worked in higher education and non-profit leadership roles for 13 years. 

Katie Long, Program Director

Katie began with the Friends as a Fellow from the Shriver Peaceworker program at UMBC in 2009.  Katie supports and coordinates our free year-round soccer program, tennis clinics, zumba and fitness programs, healthy living seminars and projects, summer concert series and many other park events. Katie is a fluent Spanish-speaker and serves as the liaison to Patterson Park’s immigrant community.  Katie has a master of art degree in intercultural communication.

Shannon Arehart, Development Director

Shannon joined the staff in 2015 to support and grow our fundraising efforts. She is charged with energizing our membership campaign and managing our corporate sponsors, as well as supporting development services and marketing.  Shannon has a B.S. in organizational communications and more than 10 years experience working in various development and fundraising-related roles in higher education. 

Lesley Gardiner, Bookkeeper & Office Manager

Lesley assists in the planning and day-of-event logistics for most of the Friends events, and serves as the organization’s bookkeeper, managing all of the organization’s financial transactions.  Lesley has a master of art degree in non-profit arts administration and has been a key staff member at the Friends for almost 18 years.

Emma Soukup, Program & Volunteer Coordinator

Emma joined the Friends in 2021 as an Americorps member and transitioned to staff officially in 2023. As the Program and Volunteer Coordinator, Emma recruits, manages, trains, and educates hundreds of Friends stewardship, event, and program volunteers. She also assists in the day-to-day coordination of our free youth sports programs and events. Emma has a degree in Business and Accounting and has worked in several roles supporting Baltimore City and local small businesses.