Jillian Patton

Jillian Patton is the Development Director for The Park People, leading the organization’s efforts to raise funds to advance its vision for a healthier, greener Denver. Jillian has nearly 15 years of fundraising experience and has had the privilege of working at several parks and green spaces throughout her career. Her passion for urban parks and community greening began as a member of the fundraising team at New York City’s High Line park, where she learned firsthand the transformative power of green public spaces in creating more livable, healthy, and thriving communities.

Jillian’s love of fundraising comes from the relationship-driven nature of the work. She finds great joy in connecting people with opportunities to support their communities and projects that they are passionate about. She has worked with a diverse range of organizations, from New York University School of Law to Laumeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis, MO, and is grateful to have had the chance to engage with and learn from people from all walks of life.

Jillian is thrilled to be part of The Park People team, and was particularly drawn to their commitment to taking local action to create global change. She is deeply inspired by this community of Park People, and is proud to support its work in the Denver community.

Jillian’s favorite tree is the flowering dogwood (which also happens to be the state tree of Missouri, where she grew up). In her free time, you can often find her running, hiking, or enjoying a good book in one of Denver’s beautiful city parks.