St. Louis committee unanimously approves three nominees to Forest Park Advisory Board

The Health and Human Development Committee of St. Louis unanimously approved two nominees to the Forest Park Advisory Board during its July 9 meeting and moved to consider a third absent candidate for nomination.

Alderwoman Maria Kevin, an event operations manager at the Saint Louis Art Museum, told the committee she works in Forest Park daily and highlighted her event-management and facilities experience as reasons she wants to serve. “It would be an honor to keep that torch running strong for future generations,” Maria Kevin said, describing a long personal commitment to the park.

Vin (Ben) Ko, director of community engagement at 9 PBS, said he views Forest Park as a regional, world-class asset and described his background in community and economic development as preparation for advisory work. “Having the opportunity to be a part of what makes it go is something I’m really passionate about,” Ko said.

Director Hayes, who described the advisory board’s role to the committee, said the Forest Park Advisory Board is a representative, mostly volunteer panel that advises the director of parks, helps guide capital projects and typically meets monthly at about 4:30 p.m. on the third Thursday. Hayes also noted that some seats may be nonvoting and said the board includes a range of community disciplines.

The committee moved and voted by roll call to accept the nominees present. Tom Odenberg moved to appoint Maria Kevin; Jamie Cox Antley seconded the motion. The roll-call vote recorded five "aye" votes and no nays; Chair Boyd announced Maria’s appointment. The committee then moved and accepted Vin Ko in the same manner; the chair said both nominees were unanimously accepted.

Committee members also moved to nominate Mr. Rosenberg, a teaching professional who was unable to attend the meeting. Director Hayes said Rosenberg could not attend because of teaching commitments but that his resume was available in the drive and staff would follow up to consider him for a nonvoting seat.

Committee members thanked Alderwoman Clark Hubbard, who introduced the candidates and helped coordinate outreach. The meeting paused while the committee waited for a scheduled presentation by Sergeant Donnell Waters on park rangers, who did not join the call; with no additional business, members moved to adjourn.