#2008-04: February 22, 2008 CCCD hires Deborah Meyer DeWan as Director of Policy and Program Development The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development (CCCD) has hired Deborah Meyer DeWan, former Special Advisor and board member, to serve as its Director of Policy and Program Development. In this senior staff position she will work closely with Executive Director Tom Alworth and staff to advance policies that further the CCCD’s mission, to support the Center’s programmatic development, expand its fundraising capacity and heighten its profile. "We are excited to have Deborah on our staff at this crucial moment. As the CCCD approaches its 40th year, as we are taking up the challenges posed by such questions as: How can The Catskill Center best represent the interests of the Catskill Park and the Forest Preserve in state policy and decision making? What can we do to bring new resources to assist the region in planning for its future and help bring diverse groups together? How can we further strengthen the Catskill Center itself to enable us to be a stronger voice for the region at the state, regional, and local levels?" said Executive Director, Tom Alworth. "There is no person better suited to help us address these and other critical questions than Deborah DeWan, given her longstanding connection with The Catskill Center, her extensive network, and her proven ability to work with people across a broad spectrum of issues and interests. We enthusiastically welcome her to the team in her new role." Ms. DeWan will participate in the development of environmental and natural resource policies at the state level, and will represent the Catskill Center in policy forums such as the NYS Scenic Byway Advisory Board, the DEC Open Space Committee, and the state’s Smart Growth initiative. She will be overseeing The Center’s land trust activities. As she continues to serve on the Board of the Catskill Watershed Corporation, Ms. DeWan will assist The Catskill Center on watershed matters. A longtime resident of Ulster County, Ms. DeWan was present at the creation of the historic NYC watershed agreement from her previous post as Senior Associate at The Catskill Center. It was during this period that Deborah met many of the region’s leaders, such as Dennis Lucas, current chairman of the Coalition of Watershed Towns and Hunter Town Supervisor. "From the very start, I was very impressed with Deborah’s ability to connect with people in the towns and villages throughout the Catskills, as well as her passionate commitment to this beautiful place." During her tenure at Scenic Hudson as its Riverfront Communities Director, Ms. DeWan co-founded the Hudson Valley Smart Growth Alliance and was instrumental in numerous community-based planning initiatives. "Deborah has always been an engaging and passionate advocate for building and maintaining vibrant communities, from the Catskill Mountain hamlets to the Hudson Valley river towns. She has made bridge building and informed decision making among diverse groups her life’s work," said John Nolon, Professor of Law and Counsel to the Land Use Law Center, Pace Law School and Visiting Professor of Environmental Law at Yale. "Her effectiveness stems from her deep commitment to citizen participation and her belief in balanced land development and conservation. It is very exciting to have her involved in this new critical position and bodes well for the future of the Catskills," added Professor Nolon. "I was always inspired on my commute from Poughkeepsie, seeing the majestic Catskills rise up before me as I headed home. Now, I am thrilled to be working in the Catskills again and for The Catskill Center " the region’s premier advocate," said DeWan. Willie Janeway, NYSDEC Hudson Valley Catskill Regional Director noted, "Deborah Meyer DeWan has long been a strong passionate advocate for environmental conservation. With this appointment the Catskills and the Catskill Forest Preserve gain an effective and pragmatic champion. The Catskill Center is to be congratulated for taking this step."