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Lori N . Taft Appointed Recreation and Parks Management Director FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20 , 2002 Contact : John Link, County Manager, 245-2300 Orange County Manager John Link has appointed Lori N . Taft as Re_ creation and Parks Management Director . Taft will begin work Monday, October 28 , 2002 . Taft will plan , organize and direct a comprehensive recreation and parks management program for Orange County . With approval of recent bond referenda, Orange County is significantly expanding its parks . Once sites are acquired and concept plans developed, Taft will lead the development , management and maintenance of the new parks . Taft has a Bachelor' s Degree in Physical Education from the University of Massachusetts and a Master' s of Education Degree in Physical Education and Recreation Administration from Temple University . Taft worked for over 17 years in the Recreation and Parks Department for New Castle County , Delaware . She began work there as supervisor of sports and athletic rb activities for youth and progressed to District Recreation Supervisor . She left New Castle County to become Parks Administrator for the Wilmington State Parks for the State of Delaware . While in that capacity, she managed the transition of these parks from New Castle County to State of Delaware management , and led a comprehensive assessment and planning process for these parks . Currently Taft lives in Oak Ridge , North Carolina where she has been actively involved as a volunteer serving on the Town' s Parks and Recreation Committee . i Link named an Assessment Panel to assist him in the selection process . The Panel was made up of Orange County Commissioner Margaret Brown and Assistant j County Manager Gwen Harvey . The search process included national recruitment . It yielded 51 candidates . Link said : "We are very pleased that Lori is joining the Orange County team . Her professional experience , enthusiasm and especially her vision for park development and management will be important to successfully completing our park plan . " Commissioner Brown said : "Parks are the wonderful ingredient in our quality of life . Lori' s experience will be of great value to the citizens of Orange County in the development of our parks : " Taft said : "The leaders and citizens of Orange County have shown foresight and a commitment to maintaining high standards for quality of life in passing the two land conservation bond referenda . I look forward to the opportunity to work with this community in developing parks and planning recreation programs for everyone to enjoy . "