Governor Hochul Announces Adirondack Park Agency Board Appointment of Barbara Rice as Executive Director

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that at the February 2022 Board meeting of the Adirondack Park Agency, the Board appointed the Governor's recommendation of Barbara Rice to serve as Executive Director. Barbara Rice will replace Terry Martino who will retire from the Agency after more than twelve years of dedicated service.

"Barbara Rice has worked tirelessly for the people of New York State in her years of dedicated service," Governor Hochul said. "She is no stranger to the Adirondack Park Agency and undoubtedly her commitment to her work will carry over into this new role. There is no one better for the job and I commend the Board for confirming this appointment."

Barbara Rice served as an APA Board Member from 2016 through 2018. She has an extensive background in local government administration and community land use planning and development. Most recently she served in Governor Hochul's Executive Chamber as Assistant Secretary for Economic Development.

In her role as Assistant Secretary, Barbara Rice oversaw expansion of broadband internet access in unserved and underserved areas of New York State through the implementation of the $500 million New York Broadband Program, supervised $265 million in capital projects through the Olympic Regional Development Authority in preparation for the 2023 World University Games, and helped launch the Upstate Cellular Task Force which identified solutions and policies to improve cellular communication in upstate New York.

APA Chair John Ernst said, "The Adirondack Park Agency Board is thrilled to welcome Barb Rice back to her lifelong home. As a third-generation business owner and dedicated public servant, Barb has the practical experience and proven management skills necessary to successfully advance the mission of the Adirondack Park Agency. The Agency thanks Governor Hochul for prioritizing the seamless transition of leadership at the Park Agency."

APA Executive Director Barbara Rice said, "I am honored that Governor Hochul recommended me as the next Executive Director of the Adirondack Park Agency, and I am grateful to the board for approving my appointment today. I wish Terry Martino the very best in her retirement. I know I will have big shoes to fill with her departure. I am also thrilled to return to the Adirondacks and my hometown of Saranac Lake. I look forward to working with the members of the board as well the excellent staff at the agency on the important issues facing the Park."

During her time as a Franklin County Legislator, Barbara Rice oversaw county government operations including management of department heads, implementation of strategic planning initiatives, business recruitment, and implementation of countywide ethics reform.

In her prior role as Saranac Lake Village Trustee, she worked hard to ensure the effective operation of the Fire, Police, Code Enforcement, Public Works, and Water/Sewer Departments. Serving in this capacity provided valuable perspective on the critical issues which Adirondack Park local governments must manage.

Barbara Rice has held several other high-profile positions. She was a member of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, a trustee with the Adirondack Health Foundation, member of the NYS Fire Safety and Building Code Council, director of the Saranac Lake Local Development Corporation, and a member of the Harrietstown Board of Assessment and Review.

APA Executive Director Martino will retire on February 23, 2022. The Agency's Deputy Director for Regulatory Programs will serve as Acting Executive Director until Barbara Rice takes over as Executive Director in the second week of March.