For Immediate Release: May 20, 2003
Contact:
Victoria Hristovski | Director Public Information | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK - Commissioner James Townsend is the newly appointed Interim Chairman of the Adirondack Park Agency.
"Commissioner Townsend's Adirondack roots run deep and I am delighted that he has accepted to serve as Interim Chairman of the Park Agency, " Governor George Pataki said. "Mr. Townsend has proven to be an asset to the Board, and as Chairman will continue providing the Adirondack Park with the kind of balance and commitment to which it has become accustomed."
At the Agency's regular public meeting last month, Interim Chairman James Frenette announced his resignation. Mr. Frenette was appointed to the Board in 1992 and sat on three committees with the Agency: Interpretive Programs Services, Regulatory Programs Services, and Park Policy/State Lands Services. He was appointed Interim Chairman in December, 2002.
"I'm honored to follow in the footsteps of two such remarkable people," Interim Chairman James Townsend said. "Mr. Lefebvre and Mr. Frenette gave their hearts and souls to this Park and to this Board and we are all extremely thankful for their dedication and diligence. They have set the example of what exemplary leadership is, and I hope to continue their example."
James Townsend was appointed to the Agency in June 1999 and has been actively involved in the Agency's ongoing regulatory reform efforts. Mr. Townsend serves as Co-Chairman of both the Legal/Enforcement Services Committee, and the Local Government and Economic Services Committee at the Agency.
Mr. Townsend's appointment will run on an interim basis for the coming months while the search for a permanent chair is undertaken and completed. For the interim, Mr. Townsend will assume all the responsibilities, duties, and rights of Chairman.
Mr. Townsend is a partner with the Rochester, New York, law firm, Remington, Gifford, Williams & Colicchio, LLP, a general practice firm concentrating in corporate, business and real estate matters. He is also Counsel to the Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation. He was also an Assistant Corporation Counsel to the City of Rochester.
Mr. Townsend received his B.A. in Government from Trinity College in 1968, and his J.D. in 1971 from Albany Law School of Union University, where he was a member or the National Moot Court Team and was awarded the Moot Court Prize. Civic and professional activities include the Volunteer Legal Services Project, Monroe County Bar Association, Chair of the Seventh Judicial District, Attorney Grievance Committee, Former Chairman Salvation Army Advisory Board, former President of The Harley School Board of Trustees, the American Arbitration Association, and the Rochester Hearing and Speech Advisory Committee.
Mr. Townsend resides in Rochester and in North River, New York. Mr. Townsend is also an avid hiker and an Adirondack "46er", which is achieved by hiking all 46 high peaks of the Adirondacks.
Victoria Hristovski Director, Public Information Adirondack Park Agency P.O. Box 99 Ray Brook, NY 12977 (518) 891-4050 ext/173 fax: (518) 891-3938