SULLIVAN COUNTY — The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) recently announced the new Executive Board for the 2023-2025 term. Those named to the Executive Board will lead the full SCVA Board of Directors in the coming years. 

Joining the Executive Board as Chairperson is Eric Frances, CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Frances is a current member of the SCVA Board of Directors, having joined in 2022. Bethel Woods has been a long-standing partner with the Sullivan Catskills in attracting visitors to its iconic location and promoting the county as whole.

“The 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair was purposely located in rural upstate New York where attendees would be immersed in a pastoral landscape with clean air, open fields, and captivating woodlands, ultimately creating a life-changing experience for a generation,” said Frances. “The Sullivan Catskills has not only retained its magical qualities, it is thriving in new and exciting ways thanks to the collective efforts put forth by the tourism industry. I am excited to work more closely with the SCVA leadership and member organizations, who are determined like Bethel Woods, to attract even more visitors to our vibrant communities.”

Also joining is Scott Samuelson, COO of The Eldred Preserve, as Vice Chair of the Executive Board. Samuelson brings years of experience and knowledge as the co-owner of The Bradstan Boutique Hotel.

“I have been intimately involved in the tourism industry in Sullivan County through my businesses for over 30 years. The SCVA has been an extraordinary partner for a very good part of that 30 years and has been an invaluable resource,” said Samuelson. 

Rounding out the Executive Board will be Franklin Trapp, Producing Artistic Director of The Forestburgh Playhouse, as Secretary; and Tanya Hahn, Executive Vice President of Jeff Bank and co-owner of Hilly Acres Farm, will be returning as Treasurer. 

“We are thrilled to welcome these four esteemed individuals to our Executive Board,” remarked SCVA President/CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood. “They bring so much to our Sullivan Catskills community both through their professional and personal lives, and we know they will serve our board well.” 

The SCVA Board of Directors meet once a month and is tasked with providing leadership and insight into the organization, as well as supporting the mission of the Sullivan Catskills. The board also provides oversight into many aspects of the SCVA. 

Talya Regan, Director of Sales and Marketing for The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark, and Rick Lander, owner of Lander’s River Trips, will serve on the Executive Committee with the Executive Board. 

After a vote by the 650+ membership of the SCVA, three people will be joining the SCVA Board of Directors in 2023. This includes Matthew Orley, CEO at Red Cottage; Rocco Baldassari, General Manager of Kittatinny Canoes / Fimfo Catskills / Cedar Rapids Restaurant / Northgate Resorts; and John Pizzolato, co-owner and co-founder of Stickett Inn and Stickett Inn Cider Company. Richard Lowe, Director of Regional & Economic Development for Hancock Partners Inc. will join as the representative from the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.

“The fabric of the Sullivan Catskills is made up by entrepreneurial figures like these, who make our local businesses thrive,” stated Byron-Lockwood.  

Leaving the position of Chairperson of the Board but remaining on the Executive Board as Immediate Past Chair is Sims Foster, co-owner of Foster Supply Hospitality, who has served as Chair for the past three years. 

“Being the Chair of the SCVA has been an honor and privilege for the past three years,” Foster remarked. “The Board is the finest of our community and I know that Eric Frances will continue the progress and expansion of the tourism economy as our new Chair.”

For more information about the SCVA, call 845-747-4449 or visit www.sullivancatskills.com.