News

Sara Lee, Assistant Operations Director of the Anne Springs Close Greenway, has been a cornerstone of the Greenway team for over a decade. As Sara and her family prepare to relocate out of state, we celebrate Sara’s incredible achievements and the legacy she leaves behind.

Sara’s Greenway Career & Honors

Sara joined Leroy Springs & Company in November 2014 as a part-time Education Facilitator at the Anne Springs Close Greenway. Just over a year later, she stepped into a full-time role, showcasing her boundless enthusiasm and ability to inspire through education. She advanced to Environmental Educator and earned the 2016 Outstanding New Professional Award—an early recognition of her talent and drive.

Her contributions continued as she became Nature Center Manager in 2017, then Outdoor Programs Director in 2018. That same year, she earned another employee award for Outstanding Achievement. By 2022, she assumed her current role of Greenway Assistant Operations Director, where she has excelled in shaping recreation and equestrian programs, developing teams and fostering a culture that exemplifies the essence of the Greenway’s mission. Sara is also the recipient of the Anne Springs Close Award of Excellence, the highest recognition given to staff for their impactful work.

“Sara’s contributions to the Greenway, and ultimately Leroy Springs and Company are undeniable,” said John Gordon, President & CEO of Leroy Springs & Company. “She was always mission first and often reminded me of that throughout the years we have worked together. She is a talent that comes through once in a career and I’m so happy we got to have her influence and contributions over the last ten years.”

Sara’s Lasting Impact

Sara’s achievements have been integral to the growth and success of the Greenway. From fostering community connections through field trips and the Master Naturalist program to overseeing the operations of flagship initiatives like the operations of the Crandall Bowles Children’s Farm, Sara’s contributions have left a lasting mark on every aspect of the organization.

Her leadership helped shape beloved Greenway traditions such as the Summer Concert Series, Artisan Markets and Earth Day Celebration, while also expanding the race series and outdoor recreation programs. Under Sara’s guidance, the Summer Camp program saw exponential growth, becoming a keystone of the Greenway’s engagement with youth and families in the community. Recently she also helped oversee the equestrian programs, creating a vibrant and supportive culture at the Farm & Stables.

Sara’s forward-thinking vision also ushered in operational changes and improvements across the Greenway, including a revamped internship program and refreshed approach to volunteer involvement.

Known for her contagious positivity and can-do spirit, Sara has built a culture that values innovation, collaboration and fun. Whether she was rolling up her sleeves to pitch in at events, mentoring staff or brainstorming new programs, Sara never hesitated to go above and beyond. Her ability to inspire and support her team has created ripples of positivity that will endure long after her departure.

As Vice President of Operations Lindsey Arnautovic put it, “Sara has been such a huge part of the success of the Greenway for the past 10 years. Her passion for the property, the people and the mission of the Greenway has shown in everything she has been a part of in her time here. To list all of the ways Sara has impacted the Greenway would be too much to list, but the culture, the programs and the community that she has been a part of are better for her being a part of it. We wish her nothing but the best in the future and hope to see her back one day!”

A Note from Sara

Sara reflected on her career at the Greenway, saying:

“In the early years of my time here, I camped out in one of the old campsites in the pine stand next to Lake Haigler with my husband and our dog. The dog woke us at 5am to have a territorial issue with a squirrel, and so we walked down to the lake in the early light. There was a low fog over the lake and the sound of the morning birds made us feel like we were deep in the wilderness. The Greenway has given us quiet moments like this and has also given us moments filled with people and fun and community.  These moments have shown me the value of this protected land so close to a big city, and I am in awe of the foresight it took from Ms. Close and the family to create this treasure for everyone to enjoy.”

It has been an enormous privilege to work for an organization dedicated to making a difference, learning and working alongside such talented staff who care so deeply about the land and the community. I am also incredibly thankful to have gotten to know many of our members over the years. Many of you have been the people who taught me how to navigate various aspects of this job or who have supported me and other staff and spoken words of encouragement when we most needed it. I doubt I will ever work somewhere again that has such devoted and passionate people supporting the mission. There are no words to describe the depth of my gratitude to the staff, members, guests and the Close family for making my time here the experience of a lifetime. Thank you.”

We will miss Sara’s leadership, energy and contagious smile, but her legacy will forever be felt in the programs she developed, the teams she cultivated and the lives she touched. Thank you, Sara, for everything you’ve done for the Greenway. Your next chapter will undoubtedly be as extraordinary as your time here, and we can’t wait to hear all about it!