Press Release
October 02, 2009
Angela P. Berti
716-278-1764
Genesee Region's Richard Parker Receives Highest Agency Award: State Parks Announces Honor
Richard Parker, General Park Manager of the Genesee Region of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has received the highest award from the Agency, the L.L. Huttleston Executive Award. Presented each year by Commissioner Carol Ash, the award honors an outstanding individual for their contributions to the Agency.
"Richard Parker is an outstanding leader who sets a stellar example for all of the staff and patrons that he comes in contact with. His reputation as a dedicated professional and his commitment to public service are unsurpassed. We are extraordinarily proud of him and that he is a member of our Parks family," Ash said.
Parker began his career in parks as a seasonal worker in 1978 and has since held nearly every operational position in the parks system. In addition to his duties in the Genesee Region, he serves as a member of the Western District Management Team, the statewide Facility Managers Committee and as a committee chair and member of both the Livingston and Wyoming County Tourism Committees. During his tenure, he has overseen the 100th Anniversary of Letchworth State Park which included the restoration of the Glen Iris Inn, the William P. Letchworth Museum and the Seneca Nation Council Grounds as well as the construction of the new Administrative offices at Hamlin Beach and several other major capital initiatives within the region.
"Rich always puts his focus on what is best for the parks and people that he serves. There is no one more passionate about Letchworth State Park and all of the parks of the Genesee Region and he is well respected in the communities he serves as a result. Because of that, he is a most valuable member of the Western District team and the Agency as a whole," said Mark W. Thomas, Western District Director.
Parker and his wife Cindy reside in Letchworth State Park and have two children, Tony and Steve.