News & Stories
City of Camden Dedicates Park in Honor of Long-Time Community Leader Joan S. Davis
L-R: Frank Moran, Camden City Council President, Dana Redd, Camden Mayor, Joan Davis, Vice Chairman of the Cooper Board of Trustees, The Honorable Ted Davis, Ted Davis, Adrienne Kirby, President & Chief Executive Officer of Cooper University Health Care, and John P. Sheridan, Jr., President and CEO of Cooper University Hospital.
The City of Camden held a park dedication ceremony on June 6 to honor Joan S. Davis, a long-time civic and community leader and Vice Chairman of the Cooper Board of Trustees. Mrs. Davis passed away on June 29 at the age of 75.
More than 50 community leaders gathered at 7th Street Park earlier last month, for the dedication of the Joan S. Davis Park, renamed in honor of Mrs. Davis’ service to the City of Camden. City Council adopted the ordinance naming the park after Mrs. Davis on March 12, 2013.
“I am deeply grateful for Mrs. Davis’ leadership, vision and commitment to the City of Camden,” said Mayor Dana L. Redd. “As a tireless champion for Camden’s revitalization, Mrs. Davis serves as a role model for all of us. It is truly a privilege for the City of Camden to name this park in honor of such a dedicated, respected and much loved resident.”
A former educator and financial analyst, Mrs. Davis held leadership positions at the Camden Free Public Library, CAMcare Health Corporation, Delaware River Port Authority, Home Port Alliance for the USS New Jersey, Cooper’s Ferry Development Corporation and the Camden Redevelopment Agency.
She served on the Cooper Board of Trustees for nearly 20 years and became the first woman to become Vice Chairman of the board in 2006.
“Mrs. Davis’ compassion coupled with her business sense has helped Cooper and the surrounding community grow and thrive,” said George E. Norcross, III, Chairman of the Cooper Board of Trustees. “This park will stand as a lasting reminder of her tremendous contributions to the city and the region.”
The park is located outside the Cooper University Hospital Emergency Department.
“Joan Davis has always been a staunch advocate for the Camden community and Cooper,” John P. Sheridan, Jr., President and CEO of Cooper University Hospital said. “Her dedication to improving access to top-quality healthcare in the city and all of South Jersey has made a difference in the lives of countless families throughout the region.”
In her remarks during the ceremony, Mrs. Davis called it a privilege to serve the Camden community and expressed appreciation for the park in her name.
“I have always believed in serving the community, and my service on the Cooper board is an extension of that belief,” said Mrs. Davis. “Cooper has undergone a significant transformation over the past several years, with the opening of the new medical school and the construction of the new Cooper Cancer Institute, and the future looks bright. I am proud to have the opportunity to be a part of it. ”
Click here to see more photos from the event.