Erma Tranter

President, Friends of the Parks

An avid runner and cyclist, Friends of the Parks President Erma Tranter understands first-hand the importance of protecting open spaces for city residents and visitors. For nearly 30 years, Tranter has worked to fulfill the nonprofit organization’s mission to protect, improve and promote the use of Chicago parks, forest preserves and recreational areas for the benefit of all neighborhoods and citizens.

Thanks to her efforts, the organization has saved hundreds of acres of lakefront parkland and empowered citizens to protect their parks via a network of local park advisory councils. Some of her biggest accomplishments include the Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Beach programs and the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance.