CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WV News) — For the first time in over two decades, the West Virginia State Parks Foundation has appointed an executive director, naming Bradley Reed to the role during its annual Board and Membership meeting held in April at Stonewall Resort State Park.
Reed
“We felt the timing was right for a strategic move,” said Greg Bray, president of the Foundation Board. “For years we have taken a passive approach to outreach and fundraising. However, we want to begin to make a greater impact on our goal of supporting our state park system.”
Reed retired from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources in May after 35 years of service, during which he held every leadership position from park ranger to chief of the Parks and Recreation Section. He served as chief of the section for five years before his retirement.
“Brad is the right person for the job,” Bray said. “We needed someone to wake up every single day thinking about how our foundation can support state parks.”
The West Virginia State Parks (Statewide) Foundation Inc. is an independent nonprofit organization with a mission to “preserve, protect, and enhance West Virginia State Parks by providing leadership in communication, funding, and advocacy in partnership with individual Park Foundations.”
The state park system includes 47 parks, forests, and rail trails across 35 counties, welcoming 10 million guests annually and contributing an estimated $521 million in economic impact to the state.
“We have one of the best park systems in the country,” Reed said. “We have some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, outdoor adventure second to none, the friendliest and hardest working staff, and a diversity in facilities just not found in other state park systems.
"Our park system operates mega resorts, golf courses, restaurants, we run a steam locomotive, manage a town (Cass), and operate an island with its own stern wheel vessel. These are opportunities not found in most other park systems.”
Reed emphasized that the Division of Natural Resources continues to uphold its legislative mission to promote conservation while providing recreational opportunities to West Virginians and visitors.
His first goal as executive director is to increase awareness of the Foundation. Efforts are underway to launch a new website and social media platforms, which will pave the way for a focused outreach and fundraising campaign.
“If you are committed to our state parks, I will want to talk to you,” Reed said. “Our park system has significant needs.”
For more information about the Foundation, visit wvspf.org or follow the West Virginia State Parks Foundation on Facebook
