New Manager Named at Olana State Historic Site

ALBANY, NY (01/31/2012)(readMedia)-- New York State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey today announced that Kimberly L. Flook has been named manager of the Olana State Historic Site in the Hudson Valley. Currently the manager of Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Flook has been with State Parks since 2005.

"Kimberly has been tremendously successful at enhancing programs and cultivating partnerships at Philipse Manor Hall," Harvey said. "I am confident she will build on her success in her new role. Olana and its dedicated friends and supporters will surely benefit from Kimberly's creativity, leadership and vision."

"We are delighted to welcome Kimberly to Olana," added Sara Griffen, President of The Olana Partnership. "From the moment she started, Kimberly impressed us with her energy, knowledge and enthusiasm for further expanding Olana's reach into the local, national and international community. We look forward to building on the already successful public-private partnership we have enjoyed with New York State over the years."

Flook has served in numerous roles at Philipse Manor Hall, where she has been manager since 2007. Under her leadership, the 18th century Georgian-style mansion that once served as Yonkers' first Village Hall became a community-focused hub for school classes, church groups and other nonprofits. She also successfully advocated for the site as a focal point of the day-lighting of the Saw Mill River and associated urban development in downtown Yonkers. She previously worked at Hermann-Grima/Gallier Historic Houses in New Orleans, LA. Flook has a BA in Anthropology from the University of South Carolina and is working toward a doctorate in Mesoamerican Archeology from Tulane University.

Flook replaces Linda McLean, who is retiring from State Parks after nearly 40 years. Philipse Manor will be managed jointly with John Jay Homestead State Historic Site in Katonah.

Olana was the 19th century home, studio and designed landscape of Hudson River School artist Frederic Edwin Church. The landscaped 250-acre historic estate, which features an elaborately stenciled, Persian-inspired mansion, attracts 140,000 visitors a year.