About Us

Gavin White (he/him) joined Riverlife’s team in 2021. As Director of Planning and Projects, Gavin leads the staff in developing and implementing Riverlife’s key initiatives, including park rehabilitations, transportation improvements, and ecological restoration efforts.

Since joining Riverlife’s team, Gavin has managed the buildout of the Planning and Projects department and has overseen key projects, including Riverlife’s rehabilitation of Allegheny Riverfront Park, redesign of Allegheny Landing, designs for West End Bridge connectors and trail expansion, and the development and implementation of Shore Thing, Riverlife’s mobile programming barge.  He also works closely with the Programming Department to coordinate activations and maintenance along the riverfront. Gavin grew up in Mars, PA, and graduated with degrees in Architecture Studies and History from the University of Pittsburgh. 

Beyond Pittsburgh, Gavin serves as chair of the Governance and Finance Committee for World Urban Parks, which includes park leaders from around the globe dedicated to the role urban parks play in advancing individual, community, and environmental health. Regionally, he supports grassroots organizations pursuing social change as a member of the grantmaking committee of the Three Rivers Community Foundation. He also serves on the board of Watersheds of South Pittsburgh and Three Rivers Waterkeeper, two organizations dedicated to the health of the runs and rivers themselves. He’s taking a mandated break after serving a nine-year term as Secretary for Hazelwood Initiative, engaging his neighborhood’s residents and stewarding property with the goal of development without displacement.