CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia State Parks Foundation names Bradley Reed as its Executive Director.
For the first time in over 20 years, the West Virginia State Parks Foundation named an Executive Director at its annual Board and Membership meeting held in April at Stonewall Resort State Park.
“We felt the timing was right for a strategic move”, said Greg Bray President of the Foundation Board. “For years we have taken a passive approach to outreach and fundraising, however,an we want to begin to make a greater impact on our goal of supporting our state park system.”
Reed retired from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources in May after 35 years of service during which he held every leadership role from Park Ranger to Chief of the Parks and Recreation Section. He had served as Chief of Section for five years prior to his retirement.
“Brad is the right person for the job”, Bray said. “We needed someone to wake up every single day thinking about how our foundation can support state parks.”
The West Virginia State Parks (Statewide) Foundation Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to “preserve, protect, and enhance West Virginia State Parks by providing leadership in communication, funding, and advocacy in partnership with individual Park Foundations.”
The West Virginia State Park system consists of 47 state parks, forests, and rail trail areas located in 35 counties around the state. It serves 10 million guests every year and has an estimated annual economic impact to the state of 521 million dollars.
“We have one of the best park systems in the country” Reed said. “We have some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, outdoor adventure second to none, the friendliest and hardest working staff, and a diversity in facilities just not found in other State Park systems. Our park system operates mega resorts, golf courses, restaurants, we run a steam locomotive, manage a town (Cass), and operate an island with its own stern wheel vessel. These are opportunities not found in most other park systems. “Our DNR manages all this while still meeting the core legislated values of state parks which is to promote conservation by preserving and protecting natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic, scientific, cultural, archaeological or historical significance, and provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the citizens of West Virginia and its visitors.
Step one for the new Executive Director is to create awareness for the organization. Soon the Foundation will be working with partners to create a new web and social media presence. Once that is completed, outreach and fundraising will begin in earnest. “If you are committed to our state parks, I will want to talk to you. Our park system has significant needs.” Reed said. For more information on the foundation, visit its website at https://wvspf.org/, or see West Virginia State Parks Foundation on Facebook.
