DALLAS — The CEO of the nonprofit that manages Fair Park submitted his resignation Tuesday amid concerns about the park’s finances and after months of leadership turmoil.
Fair Park First CEO Brian Luallen’s resignation is effective August 15. Luallen had called for a forensic audit into the park’s finances in April. The status of his employment has been in question since May. He was placed on a 45-day leave of absence in May, and the Fair Park First board approved reinstating Luallen after the suspension in June.
“This was a difficult decision, but as you’re all aware, the environment has been very difficult and uncomfortable to navigate for many months,” Luallen wrote in his resignation letter obtained by WFAA. “This has taken a great toll on me personally, particularly impacting my health, which I must prioritize.”
“For five years, it has been the greatest honor and privilege of my career to help guide the revitalization of Fair Park, an undeniable treasure for the city of Dallas and its citizens,” Luallen continued. “Together, we have navigated numerous challenges and celebrated significant achievements. I’m truly proud of the work of this team.”
Among the accomplishments Luallen mentioned in his letter were helping to lead the park through the COVID-19 pandemic, finishing a master plan, the recently-completed design development of the long-awaited community park, and more.
“The revitalization of Fair Park is critical to the future of South Dallas and our community,” Luallen wrote. “The project must be successful, and I am confident that the current conversations with the city of Dallas will result in much-needed changes to the contracts which form the core of our enterprise and our mission.”
The Fair Park First board praised Luallen's leadership in a statement.
"We all recognize how difficult it would be to go forward in his current role and appreciate the sacrifices he has made," the statement reads. "We are truly grateful for Brian's leadership over the last 5 years, which has been instrumental in guiding the revitalization of Fair Park. Brian has offered to be a resource in the coming months, and we appreciate his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition."
New Fair Park First Board chair Veletta Forsythe-Lill recently confirmed the nonprofit planned to pause fundraising through the end of August as they await the results of the audit.
Luallen had raised concerns earlier this year that Oak View Group, the day-to-day operator of Fair Park, may have “inaccurately, and we hope inadvertently, allocated and utilized restricted funds raised by Fair Park First for daily park operations,” allegations which the day-to-day operator of Fair Park has denied.
