Laura is an urban planner with ten years of experience in development and activation of urban open space and community engagement. In her current role as Executive Director of the Charles River Conservancy, she oversees all aspects of the organization, including fundraising, strategy and advocacy. Under her leadership, the CRC is continuing the legacy of protecting and improving with projects like the installation of a floating wetland to enable important research for climate adaptation.Laura has also served as the Associate Director of the Boston Waterfront Initiative for The Trustees of Reservations, an effort to build world-class, resilient open space on the Boston Harbor, and as the Director of Programs and Planning for the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy where she managed several capital improvements, public art installations and more than 400 free public programs annually. Laura holds a BA in Architectural Studies and an MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University. Her graduate work focused on universal design and best practices in creating inclusive public space.