FOCUS St. Louis® is pleased to announce Lesley Hoffarth, P.E., President & Executive Director of Forest Park Forever, as the recipient of the 2026 FOCUS Leadership Award.
This prestigious award, chosen by the FOCUS Board of Directors, is given annually to individuals who demonstrate committed leadership, generate a meaningful impact in the community, and encourage strong community engagement in others. The award will be presented at the 29th Annual What’s Right with the Region celebration on Thursday, May 7, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
“Forest Park is one of the top urban parks in our country and a true treasure for our region,” said Edward Bryant, board chair for FOCUS St. Louis. “Lesley Hoffarth’s visionary leadership has transformed Forest Park Forever into a national model for public–private partnership, and ensured it will remain a beautiful and welcoming space for all visitors and residents to enjoy for years to come.”
In her role since 2010, Hoffarth has led Forest Park Forever through significant strategic growth. She negotiated a first-in-the-nation innovative agreement (and subsequent renewal and extension) with the City of St. Louis, forming a true partnership in caring for the Park. She has led the Park’s most ambitious fundraising initiatives, including the capital campaign to restore Steinberg Rink and transform its surroundings into the Glade, a destination for year-round community activity. Under her leadership, Forest Park has been voted “Best City Park” in the country multiple times in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, among other regional and national accolades.
Before joining Forest Park Forever, Hoffarth — a 20-year veteran of the Missouri Department of Transportation — led the $535 million New I-64 project to completion one month ahead of schedule, $11 million under budget and with a 95% public satisfaction rating.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri at Columbia and is a Missouri-registered professional engineer. She is an alumna of the FOCUS Women in Leadership Program and a distinguished member of the MU Academy of Civil Engineers. Her recognitions include being named among the St. Louis Business Journal’s Most Influential Business Women, YWCA’s Leader of Distinction, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Woman of Distinction, and St. Louis Forum’s Trailblazer Award.
All in the community are invited to join us to recognize Lesley Hoffarth, along with all the recipients of this year’s What’s Right with the Region and FOCUS Alumni Awards. Early-bird tickets are now on sale!
