Katie Long, Executive Director & Program Director

Katie began with the Friends as a Fellow from the Shriver Peaceworker program at UMBC in 2009. During her tenure with FPP, including serving as the Program Director, she has played a central role in shaping inclusive, community-driven programs that activate the park and strengthen connections among neighbors, partners, and volunteers. With deep institutional knowledge and a longstanding commitment to Patterson Park as a vibrant, welcoming public space, Katie steps into the executive role focused on sustaining the organization’s mission, expanding its impact, and stewarding the park for future generations. A fluent Spanish-speaker, she also works to manage partnerships and stakeholder relationships with the many organizations, individuals and agencies with which FPP collaborates.  She 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 and manages the Cedar House. Emma has a degree in Business and Accounting and has worked in several roles supporting Baltimore City and local small businesses.

Katie Nagib, Environmental Educator & Outreach Coordinator

Katie Nagib joined Friends of Patterson Park in early August 2025. As Environmental Educator and Outreach Coordinator, she will be conducting outreach efforts with local schools and community groups, as well as support environmental education, stewardship, and trash management programming at our pre-existing events and programs. Katie recently completed her Peace Corps service in Ghana and she is working towards her Masters in Geography and Environmental Systems at UMBC.