George “Chip Gorman”
George “Chip” Gorman began his career in public service in 1977 as a summer seasonal employee at Jones Beach State Park. Demonstrating strong leadership and operational skills early on, he became a permanent park worker in 1980 and was promoted to Park Manager I in 1983 at 24 years old, making him one of the youngest park managers in the history of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Moving consistently up through the ranks due to his dedication and initiative, Chip was appointed Regional Director in 2019, assuming responsibility for 33 Long Island State Parks, with annual visitation of nearly 30 million visitors, year around staff of 750 employees with an additional 1600 summer employees.
FRAN GOTCSIK
Fran Gotcsik has 40 years of experience working with non-profits, state agencies, local governments, and community groups in the areas of historic preservation, community planning, public participation, and trail development. During her 35-year career with PTNY she has served as a board member, trails consultant, Local Coordinator for the Genesee Valley Greenway, Conservation Director, Director of Programs and Policy and now as a member of the Advisory Council. Fran’s guidance was vital in the early formation of the Growing the Grassroots mini grants created by PTNY, which would grow into the Park & Trail Partnership Grants.
LAURA DIBETTA
Laura DiBetta is Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). At DEC, she leads the implementation of statewide initiatives aimed at improving and expanding access to nature and the outdoors Prior to joining DEC, Laura spent nearly 20 years working for state and national nonprofit organizations on environmental issues, program development, and communications, and was fundamental in building the early days of PTNY’s Park & Trail Partnership Grants.
Friends of the walkway
Friends of the Walkway is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park – a 1.28-mile linear park that connects the Town of Lloyd in Ulster County and the City of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County. As a vital connector of regional rail trails – including the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail, and the Empire State Trail – the Walkway serves as a hub for recreation, tourism, and community engagement in the Hudson Valley. More than 600,000 people visit the park each year.
The Caumsett Foundation
Formed in 1995 by interested local citizens, the Caumsett Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the preservation and public enjoyment of Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve on Long Island. It works to protect the park’s natural habitats, historic buildings, and educational programs through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement. By partnering with the department of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and volunteers, the foundation helps ensure that Caumsett remains a vibrant resource for recreation, history, and environmental stewardship.
The Friends of Knox Farm
The Friends of Knox Farm State Park currently manage three properties at the park, which consists of 633 acres of woodlands and former farmland, including barns, horse stables, and houses. They have created a cyclic model of investment, rental opportunities and volunteer efforts to create unique venues for public and private gatherings, while preserving important historic buildings. The Friends have invested over 1.5 million dollars and thousands of volunteer hours into the park and are committed to preserving this local treasure.
The Friends of Hamlin Beach
The Friends of Hamlin Beach are a welcoming all volunteer group who enjoy their treasured park on Lake Ontario. The Friends’ membership, which has quadrupled in the last four years, is dedicated to maintaining and beautifying the park by offering a wide variety of projects for all interests and abilities which include monitoring bird populations, gardening, grant writing, recycling, trail work, and even crafting.