ABOUT US

People for the Pavilion is a volunteer-run 501(c)3 non-profit organization devoted to raising awareness of the historic value of the New York State Pavilion, and of its potential to serve as a vibrant and functional public space. PFP works to build a community around the Pavilion through public programs, events, and communications, with a focus on individuals, organizations, and institutions around Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Salmaan Khan
Co-Founder

Salmaan is the Director of Research and Special Projects at the Central Park Conservancy, and previously served as Manager of Capital Projects and Planning at Friends of the High Line, the non-profit conservancy organization that maintains and operates the High Line park. He holds a Masters degree in urban planning from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design where he was awarded the Outstanding Leadership for Urban Planning award, and a bachelor’s degree in History from Fordham University.

Aaron Asis
Artist in Residence

Aaron is an artist and designer focused on promoting urban awareness at the intersection of community engagement, city agency, and public access.  Born and raised in Flushing, Queens, Aaron holds degrees in Fine Art, Architecture and Urban Design, and works with partners throughout the country to celebrate the creative exploration of urban conditions, activate under-appreciated environments, and highlight alternative public narratives, in an everyday context.

Tim McGeever
Communications Director

Tim works as PR Director at Odessa Brand House, developing communications and media relations strategies for health and wellness companies. Previously, he was PR Manager at Spanfeller Media Group, as well as a park ranger at Friends of the High Line. People for the Pavilion has allowed Tim, a Queens native, to merge his passion for history and urban renewal with his work in public relations. He is a graduate of Marist College and holds a bachelor's degree in communications.

Matthew Silva
Co-Founder

Matthew Silva is a teacher and filmmaker. Since 2012, Matthew has worked to raise interest and change public perception for what is possible with the Pavilion. With support from a coalition of the social media community and various New York based civic, advocacy, and cultural institutions, he produced the documentary film Modern Ruin: A World’s Fair Pavilion, which chronicles the history of the Pavilion from the fair to present day advocacy.

Christian Doran
Co-Founder

On February 8, 2014, People for the Pavilion suffered a tragic and sudden loss with the untimely passing of co-founder Christian Doran. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him knew he had a knack for comfortably engaging those around him. The work of People for the Pavilion is dedicated to the memory of Christian and his love for the New York State Pavilion.