Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

April 10, 2023

Bryan Erwin Named Chair of State Council of Parks

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced that Governor Kathy Hochul designated Bryan Erwin of Mattituck the new Chair of the State Council of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

"Bryan Erwin has an endless passion for New York's state parks and historic sites," said New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. "We thank and congratulate Bryan for his service and know that we will keep him busy during this historic time celebrating New York State Parks' Centennial. I am grateful to Bryan for stepping into this role first in an acting and now official capacity."

Erwin is the current Chair of the Long Island State Park Commission, first appointed in December of 2008. He was reappointed in June of 2021 for a second seven-year term. In January of 2022, he was named acting Chair of the New York State Council of Parks. With his acceptance to the post, he also takes a seat on the board of the Natural Heritage Trust and the New York State Board for Historic Preservation.

"I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her confidence in my ability to lead the State Council of Parks," Erwin said. "This is a very exciting time as we celebrate the Centennial of the New York State Park system. I always enjoy my time in our state parks and historic sites and look to build on a legacy that offers endless recreational and educational opportunities for visitors."

Erwin has a master's degree from Cornell University in International Trade and Finance. He was selected by President Obama in 2010 to run the Trade Advocacy Center to facilitate U.S. Government advocacy on behalf of U.S. exporters. A long-time advocate for State Parks, Erwin hails from the North Fork on Long Island where he and his wife, Danielle, are raising two daughters.

Erwin succeeds Lucy R. Waletzky, who served as chair from 2007 to 2021. Previous chairs have included Robert Moses and Laurance Rockefeller.

The New York State Council of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation consists of the Chairs of the eleven regional park commissions, the Commissioner of State Parks, the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Chair of the State Board of Historic Preservation. The function of the council is to advise, make recommendations and report on the progress of all matters affecting state parks, recreation and historic preservation.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails, and boat launches. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov, connect on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.