From left to right: Jefferson County Greenways Park Superintendent, La Fran D. Marks; Executive Director, Carlee Sanford; Deputy Superintendent, Amy Conyers
The Jefferson County Greenways Commission Welcomes La Fran D. Marks as first ever Jefferson County Parks Superintendent with Amy Conyers joining as Deputy Superintendent. “In a first for Jefferson County, we are thrilled to have the addition of Fran and Amy, whose combined veteran leadership skills will amplify the overall park experience," says Carlee Sanford, Executive Director for Jefferson County Greenways.
“History proves our community's desire to preserve valuable greenspaces. Ruffner Mountain was saved from development in 1977 by an upstart community nonprofit. Turkey Creek was preserved in 2008 by a grassroots effort, supported by Freshwater Land Trust and the Alabama Forever Wild Program, and the preserve was later operated by Birmingham Southern College. In 1999, Garden Highlands resident Ervin Batain, in a community effort, cleared a trail from his backyard to the abandoned No.11 Mine on Red Mountain, founding the 3D/No.11 Mining Camp and Nature Trail. Red Mountain Park was officially reclaimed in 2012 through a state agency, the Red Mountain Greenway and Recreational Area Commission. In every situation, citizens and community leaders saw the need for publicly accessible land.
However, continues Sanford, separate organizations managing each park created inefficiencies, including competition for the same donations and grants, duplication of senior staff, siloed maintenance efforts, and different membership structures.”
Leadership at the parks began working towards a solution. In 2023, legislation expanded the scope of the Red Mountain Greenway and Recreational Area Commission into the Jefferson County Greenways Commission, supporting the day-to-day maintenance of all three greenspaces. In 2024, the separate nonprofits' boards voted to join as the Jefferson County Greenways Foundation, supporting programs, conservation, and capital improvements. Together, the public-private partnership cares for our county’s large greenspaces and all the plants, animals, and people they serve.
The inaugural Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent will centralize and coordinate the maintenance and day-to-day operations of three cherished greenspaces: Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.
A resident of the Greater Birmingham area, La Fran Marks is a retired active-duty military officer. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Miles College, a Master's degree in Public Administration and Strategic Studies (MPA) from Troy University, and a Master's in Strategic Studies (MSS) from the Army War College. Throughout his 25 years of service, Marks has led various organizations in pursuit of national interests. "I am genuinely enthused about my return to Birmingham and the prospect of contributing to such a successful organization." Marks started as the first ever Parks Superintendent for Jefferson County Greenways Commission in April.
Amy Conyers, Deputy Superintendent, was raised in Northern Indiana and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University where she focused on Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Later, Conyers moved to Florida and started a career with Florida State Parks. There she spent almost 20 years in a half dozen parks, honing skills in managing resources, staffing, and visitor services in Florida's State Parks. “I am so excited to be a new resident of Alabama. I am learning so much about the unique biodiversity, the history, and the people that make Birmingham such a special place.” Amy joined staff as Deputy Superintendent in May.
From Jennifer Andress, Commissioner and Chair of the Search Committee: “Consolidating operations for the greenspaces is a foundational change that will allow for much-needed improvements to the three spaces. Our long-term vision is to have a strong countywide structure and dedicated public funding for green spaces in Jefferson County. We would like to ensure all our greenways are sustainable, high-quality, accessible, safe, clean, and thriving.”