Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced that the board of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) appointed Barbara Rice, the governor’s recommendation, to serve as executive director. Rice replaces Terry Martino, who retired from the agency after more than 12 years of service. Rice starts her new position on March 8. Martino retired Feb. 23. “Barbara Rice has […]
Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced that the board of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) appointed Barbara Rice, the governor’s recommendation, to serve as executive director.
Rice replaces Terry Martino, who retired from the agency after more than 12 years of service. Rice starts her new position on March 8. Martino retired Feb. 23.
“Barbara Rice has worked tirelessly for the people of New York State in her years of dedicated service,” Hochul said in a Feb. 10 news release. “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.”
Rice served as an APA board member from 2016-2018. She has an extensive background in local-government administration and community land-use planning and development. Most recently, she served in the governor’s executive chamber as assistant secretary for economic development. In that position, 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. She also 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 policies to improve cellular communication in upstate New York.
“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,” John Ernst, APA board chair, said in the release. “The Agency thanks Governor Hochul for prioritizing the seamless transition of leadership at the Park Agency.”
During her time as a Franklin County legislator, 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 helped oversee operation of the fire, police, code enforcement, public works, and water/sewer departments. Serving in this capacity provided valuable perspective on the critical issues that Adirondack Park local governments must manage, per the release.
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.
