Mark Thomas
Q&A
Q. Where are you employed? What is your Title?
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Western District; Director
Q. What is your favorite part of your job?
I am the administrator in charge of 40 state parks and parkways in the New York system. My offices are located at the oldest state
park in the nation, Niagara Falls; the 3rd largest state park in the nation and New York's largest, Allegany State Park; and the "Grand Canyon of the East",
Letchworth State Park. We host over ten million visitors per year in our Western District facilities.
Q. What do you consider to be your most valuable contribution to your organization for which you work?
I bring to my work the benefit of my education at the University of Illinois as well as years of private sector and political experience that I
have gleaned over 30 years work since I graduated. My approach to the work is to provide leadership that inspires our staff to extend to our visitors
the highest quality service possible.
Q. Given your career path, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
At that point I will be at retirement age of 66. My anticipation is that I will have completed my successful run in my career at that point.
Q. Do you have any words of advice/recommendations? a. for undergrads still searching for a major-would
you recommend RST and why?, b. for the undergrads currently in the program c. for the senior currently looking for his/her
first position.
a. The Recreation, Sports and Tourism fields are richly rewarding and full of opportunity for those who enjoy working with people. Even
though the country is going through difficult economic times, I firmly believe that employment and entrepreneurial opportunities will continue.
b. If your aim is to enter public service as a parks and recreation professional, then I would advise you to sit for examinations that qualify
you for positions in governmental service.
Q. Please add anything else that might be helpful.
The University of Illinois education I received was second to none in the nation. It prepared me very well for my success as a professional.
I highly recommend this program to students who are either enrolled or are considering enrolling in this academic pursuit.