By Gwen Willems

Katie Hill began her presidency of Como Friends just before the organization’s Sunset Affair summer gala on July 17.

Previously the vice president of engagement and chief innovation officer at Milkweed Editions, Hill succeeds Jackie Sticha, whose two decades of leadership transformed Como Friends into a nationally recognized model for public-private partnership.

Como Friends, the nonprofit partner of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, has delivered more than $54 million in contributions. To become a member, go to comofriends.org/support/membership.

“Katie brings a rare blend of creativity, strategy and heart,” said Andy Davis, board chair of Como Friends.

Besides her work experience, skills and education, Hill brings a high level of excitement.

“As a lifelong St. Paul resident and champion of our city and state, nothing brings me more joy and pride than working in support of the premier cultural attraction that is Como Park Zoo & Conservatory,” she told the Bugle. “As a parent, arts and culture professional, animal lover, and curious nature enthusiast, I’m personally interested in the ways places like Como provide vital and necessary connections to the broader natural world.”

Hill said she appreciates that Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has something for everyone. Her “favorites” changed during what she called the seasons of her life. One special plant at Como is “Frederick” the corpse flower, which Hill was delighted to have an official photo taken with.

“I currently have quite a few must-sees for every visit (which may be heavily influenced by my kids): Chloe the sloth, the arctic foxes and the gorillas. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has long been my ‘happy place’ and gotten me through decades of Minnesota winters. And the stone bridge in the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden has been a favorite for both of my kids!”

“I have also deeply appreciated the fact that Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open 365 days a year,” Hill added. “Any parent or caregiver of young children especially values the gift of a free, all weather, kid-friendly destination on those holidays or no-school days when everything else is closed.”

Hill spent more than a decade in art museum communications, digital strategy and public engagement before joining Milkweed Editions — a nationally respected independent publisher of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. While there, she has consistently reimagined how the public connects with such treasured civic institutions as the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

She said her background in engagement, public programming and strategic management at other local cultural institutions gives her a unique perspective in leading a fundraising organization like Como Friends.

Public-private partnerships like Como are nothing new to Hill. “I have a strong track record in building cross-sector relationships,” she noted. “As a St. Paulite, I am excited to work with the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul Parks and Recreation, and the City of St. Paul to inspire generosity for the best possible future of this essential entity.”

“This kind of public-private partnership allows for mutual flourishing at the highest level—we are better together,” she added. “Como holds a special place in my heart as a local nature-loving parent with my own childhood memories of Sparky and the Sunken Garden — meaningful experiences that I want to help steward for generations to come.” 

Gwen Willems lives in Falcon Heights and is a freelance writer for the Park Bugle.

Photo caption: Katie Hill. Submitted photo from Como Friends.