Blackstone Heritage Corridor Announces Hiring of Executive Director

WOONSOCKET, RI – Donna M. Williams, Chair of Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. (Blackstone Heritage Corridor), is pleased to announce the hiring of Charlene Perkins Cutler as Executive Director, effective September 2. In her role, Charlene will provide day-to-day guidance for the newly formed nonprofit. The Blackstone Heritage Corridor manages operations in the Blackstone Corridor on behalf of the former federal commission; and, works with partners to preserve, protect and interpret (telling the story) the heritage of the 24 Corridor communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“I have followed the success of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor for years and am thrilled to be part of such a great organization,” says Charlene.

“I’m pleased to welcome Charlene to the Corridor,” says Michael Cassidy, Interim Administrator. “I look forward to working with her as we continue to build our organization and advocate for the proposed National Historical Park.”

For the past 17 years, Charlene served as Executive Director and CEO at The Last Green Valley, Inc. (Danielson, CT), the management entity for The Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor. Similar to the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, The Last Green Valley is a National Heritage Area spanning two states. Her numerous successes include development of the Walktober touring initiative, currently in its 24th year, to encourage residents and visitors to explore the beauty and treasure of that National Heritage Corridor.

“We are thrilled that Charlene is the first Executive Director of our new non-profit,” said Donna Williams. “The professionalism and expertise she brings from our sister national heritage area will solidify and strengthen our operations as the management agency for the Blackstone Heritage Corridor. She will bring with her the skills to nurture and grow the many partnerships and programs that generate tremendous pride in the Blackstone Valley and beyond.”

About the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc.: Congress established the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission in 1986 to preserve and interpret the nationally significant historic, cultural and natural resources of the Blackstone River Valley, where the industrialization of America began. As the new management entity, the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. has created a successful program of partnerships between federal, state and local government agencies, as well as nongovernment organizations pooling their resources and pursuing a common agenda of preservation and revitalization. Ongoing activities include historic and land preservation, river cleanup, and visitor center support.

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