Ruffian Tittmann | Executive Director

Joining us in March 2025 with more than 25 years of nonprofit management and fundraising experience, Ruffian Tittmann is the Allentown Parknership’s inaugural executive director.

She heads the Parknership after 18 years at Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW), the oldest and largest nonprofit volunteer organization working in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.

As FOW’s executive director since 2020, Tittmann led a team of 17 and directed all operational, programmatic, financial and fundraising strategies. She previously served as both FOW’s deputy director and director of development and operations during her tenure.

Her time at FOW was preceded by seven years of development and fundraising work in Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

“I can’t think of a better place for the next chapter of my career than Allentown. We have an enormous opportunity to build community trust and support for the Parknership from the ground up. Allentown’s parks generate passions similar to what we had at FOW. I’ve heard many stories about people’s cherished memories, from attending special events in the parks to the important role that parks played in the routine of daily life.

“There is real pride in the Allentown parks system and a genuine interest in supporting it. I am honored to have the privilege to help drive this organization forward with the Board of Directors to capture this enthusiasm and allow it to fuel progress throughout the city.  I am excited about the opportunity to work closely with key stakeholders, especially the City of Allentown Parks and Recreation Department.”