The Trinity Park Conservancy board of directors is proud to announce Brian Kilpatrick as its new president and chief executive officer. In this role, he will lead the vision, strategy and operational execution for Harold Simmons Park – Dallas’ 250-acre, $325 million signature public green space park along the Trinity River. Kilpatrick joined the organization in September, 2024 as chief operating officer, and was appointed interim president and CEO in May, 2026.
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Brian Kilpatrick, President and CEO, Trinity Park Conservancy
During his two-year tenure at Trinity Park Conservancy, Brian has guided strategic planning, operational build-out, environmental stewardship, and workforce development initiatives that position the Trinity River corridor as a national model for inclusive, climate-resilient urban parks. Among his accomplishments are the meaningful connections he has made on behalf of the organization in the community – from local leaders to business owners to individuals; finalizing the design for the West Overlook, including pathways, buildings and the flow of the design as it relates to the park; listening and learning from others who have come before, such as the Dallas Zoo, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Klyde Warren Park and more; and the thoughtful and diligent work in the space of accessibility, early childhood learning and inclusive play – key objectives of Harold Simmons Park.
“We are immensely pleased to announce Brian as our new president and CEO. Brian’s background in destination management has ranged in focus from wildlife encounters to nature exploration to family experiences to performing arts. At the heart of his roles has been best-in-class guest service blended with financially responsible and sustainable strategic growth,” remarked Deedie Rose, chair, Trinity Park Conservancy board of directors. “We look forward to him leading the organization as we continue our commitment to opening the first phase of Harold Simmons Park in 2028.”
Kilpatrick has more than three decades as a recognized leader at mission-driven guest environments and large-scale attractions. Before joining TPC, he served as chief experience officer of Artis-Naples in Naples, Florida, strategically leading guest experience, operations and cultural engagement. He also served as the executive vice president and general manager of Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, an award-winning 70-acre outdoor nature park, where he oversaw strategic planning, operational excellence and capacity development for a rapidly growing, best in class destination. As well, he enjoyed more than 30 years in multiple executive roles across seven diverse properties nationwide under the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment brand.
“I am extremely honored to be selected by the board of directors as Trinity Park Conservancy’s president and chief executive officer,” Kilpatrick said. “Working alongside our board leadership, our stakeholders and our incredible team, I look forward to building on our current momentum as we prepare for the opening of the first phase of Harold Simmons Park in late 2028. It is an exciting time for our organization and West Dallas.”
Kilpatrick resides in West Dallas, around the corner from the future West Overlook of Harold Simmons Park, and spends his weekends with local run clubs along the river, trying out new barbeque spots in North Texas and supporting local West Dallas businesses with friends. In his two years of living in Dallas, some of his favorite discoveries have been the outdoor sites unique to the city, such as White Rock Lake, The Katy Trail and Cedar Ridge Preserve; striking up conversations with patrons in the many Commerce Street Corridor coffee shops, and the receptiveness and openness in Dallas’ business community to work together – realizing there is more power with us collectively than as individuals.
He is a passionate advocate for conservation, education, and inclusive access to nature. He holds memberships in the Fort Worth Avenue Development Group (FWADG), Texan by Nature, Earth X and The High Line Network, and is also an active contributor within International Association of Attractions & Amusement Parks (IAAPA) and the global attractions community.
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About Trinity Park Conservancy
Trinity Park Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the stewardship of Dallas’ largest public green space—the 10,000 acres of the Trinity River. In 2018, the Conservancy was selected through a private/public partnership with the City of Dallas and the Trinity River Corridor Local Government Corporation to design, construct, and maintain Harold Simmons Park, a future 250-acre urban park along the Trinity River. The Conservancy believes the Trinity River is the natural gathering place for all Dallas residents and is committed to creating a park that unites the city and uplifts every community it touches. For more information, visit trinityparkconservancy.org or haroldsimmonspark.com.
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