The Sandy Springs Conservancy announced its new executive director, John Maximuk, on April 13, as the nonprofit enters its 25th year of advancing parks, paths, and green space across metro Atlanta’s Central Perimeter.
The conservancy’s announcement says Maximuk brings a unique blend of community advocacy and government leadership experience. He has held planning and leadership roles with Fulton County, the cities of Decatur and Chamblee in DeKalb County.
New conservancy leadership
Maximuk has more than 25 years of experience with organizations focused on urban design. He was most recently the planning and development director at the City of Chamblee.
From 2005 to 2013, Maximuk served on the staff of the nonprofit Livable Communities Coalition, advancing regional smart-growth initiatives. He has served on the board of the Atlanta Architecture and Design Center since 2014.
The Sandy Springs Conservancy is governed by a board of directors comprised of about 30 residents representing a variety of local businesses and nonprofits.
“John’s background across both community and government roles makes him exceptionally well-suited for this position,” SSC Board Chairman Jack Misiura said. “He brings the passion and drive of a community advocate for parks, paths, and green space, along with the expertise to collaborate with local government and partners to deliver meaningful, lasting impact for our citizens.”
As the nonprofit celebrates its 25th anniversary, Maximuk and board members said they will build on their strong foundation and expand impact in more visible ways. They argue that paths further strengthen connectivity, quality of life, and economic value across Sandy Springs.
The conservancy has helped raise more than $1 million for parks and green spaces. It partnered with the city to complete projects, including Morgan Falls Overlook Park, Abernathy Greenway, Lost Corner Nature Preserve, and the first segment of the Springway, the Morgan Falls Connector.
Conservancy backs paths
Looking ahead, the Conservancy aims to advance new Springway segments, expand connections to PATH400, and improve safe access to the Chattahoochee River. The Springway Trail Plan is the city’s guideline for constructing a network of paths that connect to neighboring communities in Atlanta, Dunwoody, Cobb County, and Roswell.
At an April 8 open house for November’s TSPLOST referendum, SSC Board Chair Jack Misiura said he’s excited about project funding for paths north along Peachtree Dunwoody. He called corridor improvements essential to expanding PATH400 north from I-285 and eventually connecting to Mount Vernon Highway.
Misiura said the city’s capital sidewalk program is great for connecting specific neighborhoods to “larger arteries,” or paths, and eventually parks. The nonprofit advocates for more public access along the Chattahoochee River, the acquisition of more green space and parkland, and increased connectivity.
TSPLOST revenue is a main funding source for paths and trails in Sandy Springs. To help, the Sandy Springs Conservancy secures donations and identifies grants to advance projects.
Read more about the Sandy Springs Conservancy’s ongoing work here.
