September 16, 2003
ROMNEY ADMINISTRATION APPOINTS NEW DCR COMMISSIONER
Katherine Abbott to lead changes in decentralized, service-oriented parks agency
Katherine Abbott, an environmental conservationist and advocate for the Boston Harbor islands, has been selected as the first commissioner for the state’s new Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Romney administration announced today.
“This is a great day for all those that use and enjoy our state’s parks and recreational facilities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, who administered the oath. “The reforms currently taking place within the Department of Conservation and Recreation will ensure the quality and affordability of the recreational facilities in Massachusetts.”
Abbott has extensive experience in the management of public lands and recreational facilities. She began her career with the state parks system in 1980. During her tenure at the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, she managed the first statewide management-planning program for forest and park and streamlined land acquisition procedures that resulted in a more efficient use of state capital dollars.
“Throughout her career, Kathy Abbott has proven herself as a passionate advocate for the environment and a shrewd manager,” said Environmental Affairs Secretary Ellen Roy Herzfelder. “Kathy will lead an ambitious program of reforms that will make our state parks and recreation system a national model of excellence.”
Most recently, Abbott served as President and CEO of the Island Alliance, a consortium of public and private entities that supports the Boston Harbor Islands National Park.
As commissioner, Abbott will lead a comprehensive process of change that will eliminate overlap between the two legacy organizations and create a new regional management structure. Top priorities include:
- Improving customer service by decentralizing management to the regions.
- Consolidating administrative functions to reduce duplication and overlap, reassigning staff where appropriate.
- Achieving an estimated $4.6 million in savings.
"Every day, across our Commonwealth, thousands of people enjoy the broad recreational opportunities our state has to offer and it is an honor to be called upon to lead this new department," said Abbott.
Governor Romney proposed the Department of Conservation and Recreation in his FY04 Budget in February. DCR merges the functions of the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) with the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), eliminating duplication between the two agencies and allowing them to maximize their expertise and equipment.
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