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Business Beat: Downtown Providence Parks Network names new Executive Director
February 25, 2026/
Downtown Providence Parks Network Names New Executive Director
The Downtown Providence Parks Network (DPPN) announced today that Suzanne Ellis Wernevi will serve as its next Executive Director, starting March 2, 2026.
Wernevi comes to DPPN from Blue Dot Motorworks, where she served as the Head of Business Development, Communications and Policy for the climate tech start-up. She is also the founder and owner of Luna & Stella, a direct-to-consumer fine jewelry brand. An active Providence community member and advocate, she serves as Vice Chair of the State Advisory Board of Common Cause Rhode Island. Wernevi holds a BA in Literature and Art History from Pomona College, and an MBA from IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland.
“Suzanne brings a diverse background of business experience, marketing and advocacy to the role,” said Board Chair Al Dahlberg. “We are impressed by her creativity, energy, and understanding of the importance of placemaking and commitment to public spaces. We look forward to Suzanne leading DPPN into this next chapter in our work downtown.”
“I am delighted to support DPPN’s vision to build a network of dynamic, interconnected public spaces and waterways that strengthen community in downtown Providence,” said Suzanne. “I am excited to build on DPPN’s strong roots, and to collaborate with our community partners to design creative public spaces and engaging experiences that bring people together.”
DPPN activates, connects, and enhances public spaces in the downtown and along the waterways of Providence to spark civic pride, fuel economic vitality, attract visitors and showcase the city as a world-class destination. Among its most notable achievements has been the creation of Lumina, a winter activation that features illuminated sculptures and family activities and has attracted more than 300,000 people since its inception.
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