County Executive Robert P. Astorino today elevated Deputy Parks Commissioner Kathleen O'Connor to the position of acting commissioner, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Joseph Stout.
"Summer is one of the busiest times for our parks, and Kathy, with her three decades of experience working for the department, is the perfect person to ensure that our parks continue to be the go-to destination for so many of our families," Astorino said. "Her background and management skills will help us keep our parks running professionally and efficiently."
Astorino also had high praise for Stout's leadership and service to Westchester County.
"During his 18 years with the department, including eight as commissioner, Joe Stout's vision, management and hard work have enhanced our beautiful park system and preserved our natural resources," Astorino said. "Under his leadership, Westchester became the first county in the state to earn accreditation from the National Recreation and Parks Association, the highest distinction a park system can earn in the United States."
A nationwide search is underway for a permanent commissioner of the department, which is officially called the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation (PRC) – a recognition of the inter-related facets of the department's work. O'Connor is among those who will be considered for the job.
The county's parks system is made up of more than 50 parks, nature centers, hiking and biking trails, golf courses, pools, beaches, Playland, and other outstanding recreational areas, as well as the County Center. It spans more than 18,000 acres, attracting more than three million visitors annually. The department has an annual operating budget of $55 million, 70 percent of which is paid for with user fees and contract agreements.
O'Connor has been deputy commissioner of PRC since 2006. She was first hired by the department in 1980 as a program specialist in camping, and later went on to other positions, including assistant manager of the County Center and director of recreation. O'Connor is also executive director of the not-for-profit group Friends of Westchester County Parks, an unpaid position. The group has $2 million in assets and provides over $300,000 in support to the park system annually.
She said of her new role, "I look forward to continuing PRC's traditions and providing the fine services county residents have come to count on, even during these difficult economic times. I am honored for this opportunity and plan to work closely with the County Executive and his staff."
Stout, whose last day is today, has a long list of accomplishments. In addition to obtaining the national accreditation for the parks system, these include:
- The renovation of aging pools and parks, some of which were constructed more than 75 years ago, greatly increasing usage and relevance for today's park visitors and future generations
- Guiding the parks department as it served as lead agency for the 2007 Empire State Games, including coordination of athletic venues and hosting of the gala opening ceremonies for 12,000 visiting athletes and their families and friends
- The restoration of Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, now known as Westchester's "Central Park."
- The creation of Camp Morty at the Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem. This sleepaway camp for underprivileged children was and is an innovative partnership with the Department of Social Services
- Development and application of the Pride-in-Parks performance-based management standards for parks and facilities, resulting in excellent facilities and customer care
- Cultivating the development of Friends of Westchester County Parks, Inc., which supports and advocates for the county parks.
"It has been my privilege to steward one of the best park systems in the country," Stout said, "Our PRC staff is professional and dedicated and was instrumental in all of our accomplishments. I will miss the department and working for this great county. I know that PRC is left in good hands with Kathy."