Blair County recreational trail authority looking for new director

Evans resigns as executive director of Blair’s Trail, Park and Recreation Authority

The authority assigned to pursue development and coordination of recreational trail projects is in the process of trying to hire a new executive director.

Glenn Evans, who became the authority's executive director in May, submitted his resignation effective Sept. 15. That put the Trail, Park and Recreation Authority in a position to advertise for what will be its second executive director since being formed a year ago by county commissioners, with a goal of enhancing and coordinating outdoor recreational assets and activities.

Rachel DiAndrea, who chairs the authority, told fellow board members at Wednesday's monthly meeting the application deadline is today.

"We've gotten a lot of resumes in," she said.

Depending on the submissions, the authority could opt to interview candidates or extend the deadline.

In the prior search leading to Evans' hiring, authority member Doug Brown recalled receiving a lot of applications but few that met the requested qualifications.

In its posting, the authority asks candidates to offer evidence of leadership and management experience, strong communication and community-relation skills. Candidates are also asked to demonstrate experience with budgeting, grants, fundraising and the ability to work with community organizations, government agencies, volunteers and the public.

Those interested are expected to submit resumes and cover letters to bctpra@gmail.com.

No specific salary is listed in the job's advertisement indicating that salary will be commensurate with experience.

Authority members acknowledged that Evans' resignation was unexpected and reflected his own personal reasons.

Prior to accepting the post, Evans worked a little more than three years as the executive director of Vermont State University's Randolph Center, focusing on support and development of programs in the areas of agriculture, food and forests.

Authority members offered no specific timetable as for when they hope to hire a new executive director. But DiAndrea offered her assurance that the authority members will make progress and take steps toward that goal.

In the meantime, the authority voted in favor of setting up a booth at the annual RV Expo at the Blair County Convention Center on Feb. 26-28, at a cost of $455.

While Evans' resignation leaves the authority without a paid employee to staff the booth, some authority members showed interest in handling that task and/or relying on volunteers to fill time slots.

DiAndrea, who described the RV Expo as a draw for people interested in the outdoors, encouraged the authority to set up its own booth.

"We have time to make that work," she said.

The authority also agreed to solicit proposals for solicitor services, effective Jan. 1. Since its formation, the authority has relied on Gabriel Fera of Pittsburgh, the same firm that Blair County currently uses, for legal advice. In light of a letter from the Pittsburgh firm reporting fee increases as of Jan. 1, the authority agreed to solicit proposals from other firms so they are in a position to evaluate their options.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.