For Immediate Release: April 17, 2007
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
Ray BROOK, NY – Adirondack Park Agency Executive Director, Mr. Richard Lefebvre, announces his intention to retire.
On Tuesday, April 17, 2007, Mr. Richard Lefebvre announced his intention to retire as the Executive Director for the Adirondack Park Agency. Mr. Lefebvre has served as Executive Director since August 2005. Prior to his term as executive director, Mr. Lefebvre was an Agency Board member, appointed in 1993 by Governor Mario Cuomo, and served as Chairman of the Agency Board after his appointment in 1998 by Governor George Pataki. He retired from the Agency Board in November 2002.
In stating his intentions to retire, Mr. Lefebvre felt the Agency had reinvigorated its commitment to the “optimum overall conservation, protection, preservation, development and use” of the Park’s unique resources intended by the framers of the Adirondack Park Agency Act. Mr. Lefebvre said, “The Adirondack Park is one of the most beautiful places I’ve experienced and it’s been an honor to serve this place and its people. During the fourteen years that I have been involved with the Park Agency, I believe a greater understanding has evolved for the Agency’s role, the needs of local governments and the importance of balanced decision-making. Over the years people have stated to me that, the Park Agency has had a positive impact on protecting their quality of life. This makes me very happy and going forward I think this magnificent place will continue to prosper.”
An educator by training, Mr. Lefebvre as Chairman worked tirelessly to help improve the public’s understanding and appreciation of the APA. During his tenure, he helped expand public outreach, familiarizing the public with Agency policies as well as gaining a better understanding of the land use plan’s impacts. Mr. Lefebvre initiated “Local Government Day” and watched this event grow from a small gathering of officials in 1997 to this year’s event where attendance exceeded two hundred and twenty Adirondack Park officials.
As Executive Director, he managed the Agency’s staff through a period of transition in State government, which included the approval of many key unit management plans. Mindful of the increasing workload on staff, Mr. Lefebvre led a steady effort to increase budget and staffing. His efforts were rewarded with the passage of the 2007 state budget, as Governor Spitzer authorized additional resources to ensure the Agency is adequately staffed for the challenges ahead.
Asked to reflect on Mr. Lefebvre’s tenure at the Agency, Chairman Ross Whaley stated, “I believe as an individual, Dick Lefebvre has had a profound impact on the Adirondack Park. He had a wonderful knack for bridging troubled waters. He continued his career as an educator while serving the Park Agency by simply chatting at a dinner with local folks, discussing policy with elected officials or lobbying State government to ensure that the needs of the Adirondack Park and its people were heard. He has forged strong partnerships for the betterment of the Park that will last long into the future. This is a special place and it has benefited immensely from a very special person.”
Mr. Lefebvre intends to spend more quality time with his lovely wife Gay and their family. He said, “I am really looking forward to ice out and fishing with the grandchildren this spring.”