#2008-05: February 26, 2008 Catskill Center's Director Accepts New Position The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development has announced that Executive Director Tom Alworth has accepted a position with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Tom will be the Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources at OPRHP and will be responsible for the stewardship of the resources in parklands across the state. "After seven years of outstanding leadership, which has brought the Center to an unprecedented level of respect and influence, Tom Alworth will be leaving us shortly" said Catskill Center Board President, Claude Shostal, "He will be sorely missed." Tom has been with the Catskill Center for seven years and reflecting back on them he said "It has been an honor to work in such a special place as the Catskills with a very special and unique organization like the Catskill Center. I have made many great friends here." Claude added, "Although the Center will certainly miss Tom, we know he has left us on solid footing and the Catskill Center will continue to provide the leadership and vision to maintain a sense of place across the Catskills through education, policy development, regional planning and diverse cultural programming." The Catskill Center’s mission is unchanged and will continue to be the region’s advocate for the Catskill Park and the New York City watershed. Tom will begin in his new position with OPRHP in mid-March but will continue living in the Catskills, "we love it here and look forward to enjoying this place for a long time." Tom said.