The Suffolk County Water Authority Board named John Pavacic executive director of the Central Pine Barrens Commission this week. Pavacic, the current Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation, will succeed Ray Corwin who passed suddenly in April.
“I am elated to have been appointed executive director and I am looking forward to working with the Suffolk County Water Authority and the Central Pine Barrens Commission,” said Pavacic. “I am eager to start in my new position and to collaborate with both agencies in advancing and implementing the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act and the Central Pine Barrens comprehensive Land Use Plan.”
“John’s keen knowledge of Suffolk County’s environment, ability to manage staff and large budgets and his expert knowledge of the Central Pine Barrens makes him a great choice for the Executive Director position at the Central Pine Barrens Commission,” said SCWA Chairman James Gaughran.
"I am thrilled John has accepted our offer to become the next Executive Director of the Central Pine Barrens Commission. John's past experience with the New York State DEC and his tenure as County Parks Commissioner make him uniquely qualified to lead the Pine Barren's Commission," said incoming SCWA CEO Jeff Szabo. "Having worked closely with him while he served as Suffolk County Parks Commissioner, I know his intelligence, hard work and dedication to detail will prove beneficial to the Water Authority and the Commission for years to come."
The Central Pine Barrens Commission is a public entity established pursuant to the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act of 1993. The Commission’s annual budget is $1.1 million, and has a staff of 8 full-time employees including planners, educators and environmental resources managers. The Executive Director will be responsible for implementing the Central Pine Barrens Comprehensive Land Use Plan, managing Commission staff, and defining and guiding the continuing evolution of the commission.
Prior to serving as Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation, Pavacic served for 10 years as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Regional Permit Administrator.