The rhythm of the distinct seasons is one of the special features of our beloved Catskill region. We are used to endings and beginnings and all of the emotions that these changes bring.

And now, we at the Catskill Center are facing our own transition as we have announced the departure of our great Executive Director for the past seven years, Tom, Alworth. As many of you already know, Tom has accepted the position of Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. This will take Tom back to his academic roots and reunites him with his friend and former colleague at the Huyck Preserve, Commissioner Carol Ash. This combination proved irresistible to Tom and we wish him the very best in this challenging new assignment for which he is so perfectly suited.

Fortunately for all of us, Tom and his wife Sandy will be maintaining their residence in the Town of Olive so we will continue to see him and draw on his unique talents in the years ahead.

It is hard to express adequately the admiration, respect and affection so many of us - Board Members, colleagues and friends - have come to feel for Tom. His courage, professionalism and boundless spirit have inspired us all and brought the Catskill Center to an unprecedented level of prestige, influence and visibility in pursuing our challenging mission. We will miss his leadership, his many talents and his infectious laugh.

I know all of you will join me in extending our deep thanks and warmest regards to Tom.

But with the sadness of the end of this chapter comes the excitement of new opportunities. Tom has helped build a great staff team that will remain and continue all of our important work in community planning and development, natural resource protection, education and the arts. We have begun a diligent search to find a new Executive Director with the skills to build on Tom’s great work and take us even further in our efforts to improve the quality of life for everyone that lives in and visits our wonderful region.