Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

May 08, 2007

For Release: Immediate
Press Contact:
Eileen Larrabee
518.486.1868

Ash Appoints Suffolk County Parks Commissioner Ron Foley As Director of Long Island State Parks Region

(Albany, New York, May 8, 2007 . . . ) New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash today announced the appointment of Suffolk County Parks Commissioner Ronald F. Foley as Director of the Long Island Region of New York State Parks.

"Ron Foley has extensive management experience with the public parks system and intimate knowledge of environmental and open space issues, making him the perfect fit to confront the challenges that are unique to the region as we move forward. He will be a tremendous asset to the entire State Parks system," said Ash.

As Regional Director, Foley will oversee Long Island's 33,000 acres of open space, natural areas and recreational facilities, including 100 miles of shoreline. In 2002, Bethpage State Park's Black Course was the first public golf course to host the U.S. Open National Championship, which will return to the Black in 2009.

Foley has served as Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation since 2004. In that capacity, he was responsible for the management of over 50,000 acres of parkland including historic structures, golf facilities and oceanfront beaches. Foley's notable achievements related to environmental stewardship for preservation and protection of open space.

Foley also served as Executive Director of the New York Parks and Conservation Association, an organization focusing on the protection of parkland and assisting communities in creating new parks.

Foley has more than 20 years experience in business and government, having served as Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Public Works and as Deputy Director and Chief of Staff in the Mayor's Office of Management and Budget in the City of Troy.

From 1983 to 1995, Foley was employed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. He served as Executive Deputy Commissioner overseeing a $120 million budget and over 4,500 employees. During his tenure at state parks, Foley also served as General Manager of the Long Island Region and Regional Director of the Genesee Region, administering all aspects of the parks in those areas of the state.

Foley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of New York.

Foley will begin serving next month as Director of the Long Island State Parks.

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