Ned Smith Center bids farewell to director

MILLERSBURG - After an enormously successful eight years as Executive Director of the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, Jerry Regan is leaving the institution in October to become president of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, one of the country's oldest conservation organizations.

"Jerry's vision, skills and vibrant personality will surely be missed," center board chair Blaine Steensland said. "But we celebrate his outstanding leadership over the past eight years, and look forward to future collaborations as he assumes this new role. Our best wishes go out to Jerry and his family, knowing they will continue to be an active part of the center's life."

Regan became the center's executive director in August 2002, leaving his position as Major Gifts Officer at Cornell University. His tenure marked a period of dramatic growth for the center, which was founded in 1993. Under Regan's leadership, the center's permanent home - the Sourbeer-Lick Education Building - was opened in 2004; and in 2007, work was completed on a 250-foot ADA-accessible footbridge across Wiconisco Creek, linking the building with the center's 500 acre-property and 12 miles of hiking trails.

"Leaving Cornell to help build the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art has been the most fulfilling professional accomplishment in my life," Regan said. "As I move on to a new chapter in my career, I will always remain part of our center - its mission of connecting nature, people and the arts is in my DNA."

During his tenure, Regan oversaw the expansion of the staff from three to 11 positions, with a budget of $800,000 and assets exceeding $11 million. The center has mounted a variety of major exhibits in its Olewine Gallery, including artists like John James Audubon, David Sibley and National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore. Works by the renowned British land artist Andy Goldsworthy are currently on exhibit.

The center is also in the midst of a multi-phase expansion campaign, with major construction underway this summer in preparation for a new building wing and planned amphitheater. Regan will remain at the center through autumn, allowing the center to make a smooth transition to new leadership. A national search for Regan's replacement will begin very soon, Steensland said.

"We appreciate Jerry's willingness to remain in the executive director's role through early fall to help ensure that the center's multitude of activities continue uninterrupted," he said.

Regan will begin his new duties Oct. 4 as president of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, PA, the oldest and most respected raptor conservation organization in the world.

"I feel fortunate and honored to have an opportunity to lead one of our county's premiere conservation institutions," Regan said. "But I will be forever grateful to the Ned Smith Center's exceptional staff, board, volunteers and supporters for giving so graciously of their time, talents and treasures to this special place."

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