Open Plans Appoints Orman, Lind Co-Executive Directors

New Positions Build on Years of Experience, Growth

NEW YORK, NY — The Open Plans Board of Trustees has appointed Lisa Orman and Sara Lind Co-Executive Directors of the livability nonprofit. Lisa Orman previously served as Open Plans’ Chief Operating Officer; Sara Lind as Chief Strategy Officer. Their years of experience at Open Plans, and deep dedication to livability, advocacy and policy, will greatly enrich the organization’s mission going forward.

This shared leadership model is emblematic of Open Plans’ collaborative approach, and speaks to the nonprofit’s deep commitment to relationship- and coalition-building. Orman and Lind will maintain their existing responsibilities with Open Plans as they assume the co-Executive Director roles. They will jointly manage day-to-day operations and strategic growth for the organization, which cultivates structural and community-led change for a more livable New York City. 

Orman has worked with Open Plans and affiliated projects for 15 years. First as the co-leader of The Upper West Side Streets Renaissance Campaign and then as director at StreetopiaUWS, Lisa has helped shape the landscape of the Upper West Side, advocating for better walking and biking conditions for all Upper West Siders. Lind has been with Open Plans since September 2021, developing and implementing a strategic legislative and policy agenda. Previously, Sara ran for City Council on an urbanist platform and served as Executive Director of 21 in ‘21, a non-profit that worked to elect at least 21 women to the City Council in 202.

“I’m thrilled to be sharing this role with Sara,” said Lisa Orman. “Her tenacity and deep commitment to this work has been so impactful and I look forward to working together to build community both within Open Plans and throughout New York City.”

“This is an exciting time for Open Plans,” said Lind. ”We’re growing more ambitious and capable, and Lisa’s leadership has been the strong and stable core at the center of that growth. It’s an honor to share this new position with her and I am excited to get started.”

Orman and Lind assumed their roles as Co-Executive Directors on April 3, 2023.