Press Release
November 20, 2007
Contact:
Eileen Larrabee
518.486.1868
Former Oneonta Mayor Named Director of New York State Parks Central Region
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash today announced the appointment of Kim K. Muller as Director of the Central Region for the agency. As director, Muller will oversee 34 state parks and historic sites in the Central Region which encompasses Broome, Delaware, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Onondaga, Madison, Herkimer, Oswego, and Oneida Counties.
"The Central Region is home to many of our state's most popular and most beautiful state parks," Ash said. "Kim Muller's distinguished career in public service, connection to the Central New York community, and professional background will prove to be a great asset to the Central Region and the entire New York State Parks system."
Encompassing a 9,000 square mile area, from the shores of Lake Ontario in the north, to the Pennsylvania state line in the south, the Central Region is one of the largest regions in the state parks system. The region stands out for the physical beauty of the glacially carved lakes, valleys, waterfalls, and mountains.
Muller has more than two decades of professional experience and community service, including serving as Mayor of the City of Oneonta from 1998-2005 and as an Otsego County representative from 1986-1993. As Mayor, Muller oversaw implementation of the Oneonta City Parks Master Plan including the creation of several parks and recreation projects. Most recently, Muller has worked as Director of the Grants Development Office at SUNY Oneonta.
As a vibrant and involved member of the community, Muller has served on several Boards including the Future for Oneonta Foundation, Oneonta YMCA and SUCO Children's Center, and as member of various organizations including the Oneonta Federated Garden Club; and the New York State Solid Waste Management Board. Ash also stressed Muller's long-standing commitment to the environment, beginning with her career as geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. "Kim brings a wealth of knowledge and vast leadership experience to this position, and I look forward to working with her on the region's recreational, economic development and environmental future."
Kim Muller earned her Bachelors Degree in Geology from of the State University of New York Binghamton in 1979, and has continued coursework in both geology and administration. She will begin as Director in late November.