Executive Council Confirms Allison McLean as New Hampshire Parks and Recreation Director
CONCORD, New Hampshire ??” The New Hampshire Executive Council confirmed Allison McLean of New London as the new director of the Division of Parks and Recreation at its Governor and Council meeting this morning, March 23.
McLean, who is currently the Supervisor of Parks Operations, has worked for the Division of Parks and Recreation for 15 years. She will become the first female director in the park system. Her appointment will carry out the rest of former Director Rich McLeod’s term, who retired in December, through April 1, 2006.
“Allison has proven herself as a strong leader within the park system as Supervisor,” says Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner Sean O’Kane. “Her wide range of experiences in advocating for recreational opportunities for New Hampshire citizens and out of state visitors enhances her ability to lead the Division to new heights.”
As Director of Recreation Services, a bureau in the Division of Parks, McLean was instrumental in the integration of the AmeriCorp Program within the Division. This program contributed thousands of volunteer hours to complete hundreds of projects within the park system. McLean notable achievements also included the development of programs that helped New Hampshire schoolteachers educate students about New Hampshire State Parks. She also played a major role in the restoration of the Taylor Sawmill State Historic Site in Derry. The restoration was a team effort involving state, corporate and municipal participants.
“It is an honor to continue my service to the Division and to the people of the state of NH through this appointment,” state McLean. “I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead the division in a new and exciting direction.”
The Division of Parks and Recreation, as part of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, manages 72 parks, campgrounds, historic sites, beaches, grant programs and thousands of miles of trails. For more information about New Hampshire State Parks, call 603-271-3556 or visit www.nhstateparks.org.