Sherif Nada and his wife Mary moved to their home across from the Public Garden 11 years ago, a home they selected partly because of a connection they felt to the Garden. The couple had always appreciated the Garden for its historical significance, pubic art, horticulture, and overall beauty but since becoming its neighbor their feelings for this special place became stronger, and for Sherif, his connection evolved over time.
During several years of traversing the paths through the Public Garden and the Boston Common to and from business meetings downtown, something continually captured Sherif's attention - people. "I always saw people working in the parks. They were caring for these places in many ways, taking care of the roses, fixing statues," he said.
He learned about special projects and routine maintenance done by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of the Public Garden, and watched first-hand how the two entities worked together as partners. "I was impressed at how well they come together to care for the parks," he said.
As Sherif got to know the Garden and the Common on his frequent walks, he began to have a deeper appreciation for their unique qualities and gained an understanding of how much care they needed. As he spent more time in them, not unlike how many meaningful relationships evolve, his desire to become closer to them grew. "We are so intimate with these places and I wanted to get even closer to them," he said.
Soon Sherif was asking people he knew that were Members of the Friends of the Public Garden about opportunities to become involved as a volunteer. He was asked to join the Council and shortly after was asked to join the Board of Directors, on which he currently serves. He is a member of the Governance Committee where he lends his experience working with nonprofits to develop the Friends leadership and plan for its future.
He gives much credit to the many people who have been involved with the Friends for decades, saying "they are involved at a much deeper level than I ever anticipated. They are incredibly sincere about protecting these greenspaces in the city for all to enjoy."
Sherif brings a wealth of experience to the Friends. He retired as president of Fidelity Brokerage Group and member of the company's operating committee. Prior to Fidelity, he held executive positions at Salomon Brothers and Morgan Stanley. Sherif received a B.A. from Duke University where he met his wife, Mary. In addition to contributing his expertise to the Friends of the Public Garden, he is currently a trustee of the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower foundation, a Director Emeritus of Citizen Schools and of the Boston Lyric Opera, and an honorary trustee of the Boston Children's Museum.
