The Board of Directors at Great Rivers Greenway (GRG) has named Mark Perkins as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Perkins, who has been the city administrator for Creve Coeur, Missouri, since 1999, will join the GRG team on August 4. He will be the third leader of the agency, which was formed in November 2000 to connect three counties and 120 towns with a network of greenways. Potrero Group was honored to collaborate with Collaborative Strategies, Inc. on this search.
Perkins brings significant experience in administering public investment, championing civic engagement and infrastructure projects, and leading a strategic vision. Perkins' accomplishments include forming a regional health self-insurance cooperative and a multi-city public safety dispatch agency, securing Creve Coeur’s S&P Triple-A bond rating, and collaborating on the 39 North AgTech Innovation District. A credentialed and award-winning city manager, Perkins holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration, both from the University of Kansas.
“This professional opportunity also comes with a lifelong personal passion for the work,” said Perkins, noting his experience growing up with and living near greenway systems. “I’m excited to champion this regional vision as it continues to make a lasting impact for generations to come.”
The search process concluded during the agency’s 25th anniversary year. GRG has grown significantly, now with 135 miles of greenways, over 40 full-time staff, a 501(c)(3) foundation, and major public-private partnership success. Perkins joins in time to guide the fifth update to the agency’s overall strategic plan, complete the Brickline Greenway project in 2030, and prepare for a potential tax levy renewal in 2033.
