After an extensive search, the Initiating Committee of A Vision for Staten Island is pleased to announce the appointment of Adena Long as the Executive Director for the upcoming A Vision for Staten Island process.

Ms. Long, who is currently the Greenbelt Park Administrator and Executive Director of the Greenbelt Conservancy, lives on Staten Island. In addition to her work with the Greenbelt, she has been deeply involved with volunteer organizations on the Island including the Staten Island Not-For-Profit Association, where she serves as Vice Chairperson, and as a member of Community Board #1.

“Adena Long is a natural choice as the Executive Director of A Vision for Staten Island,” said Patrick F. McDermott, chairman of the Initiating Committee. “In the course of a very competitive interview process, Adena earned the confidence of the committee. She is the right person to help those who live, work, and shop on Staten Island develop a bold and realistic vision for our future.”

Ms. Long’s accomplishments include: being responsible for the development, execution, and evaluation of programs; conducting marketing and public relations initiatives; developing board and organizational policy; managing finances; fundraising; and recruiting and training volunteers. These diverse skills are very well suited for the Executive Director position. Ms. Long will begin her new position in early August.

A Vision for Staten Island is in its early planning stages. The process will start in the fall of 2008 and will continue through the summer of 2009. It is a program that seeks to bring together residents, community and business leaders, and elected officials in an open, inclusive, and transparent dialogue on the issues that are critical to the future of the borough. A Vision for Staten Island will identify shared goals and outline implementable strategies to address those goals. In addition to the selection of an Executive Director, A Vision for Staten Island is recruiting a diverse Steering Committee that is representative of the community. It is also beginning outreach efforts to encourage broad participation in the visioning process.

For more information about A Vision for Staten Island contact:

Patrick F. McDermott, McDermott & Thomas Associates
Telephone: 718.370.0270
Email: PMcDermott@mthassoc.com