FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 25, 2005
Contact: Lisa M. Green, (802) 457-2779 ext. 107, lgreen@vinsweb.org

New VINS Nature Center Director Appointed

Quechee, VT - The Vermont Institute of Natural Science announced today the appointment of P.J. Skehan as VINS Nature Center Director. Skehan brings a wealth of operations experience to VINS at a critical time in the center's fledgling growth. The VINS Nature Center opened on June 12, 2004 and is located 1/4 mile west of Quechee Gorge on Route 4 in Quechee, VT. For the past 23 years, Skehan has worked at Simon Pearce in various capacities, and most recently as general manager and head of operations, managing three glass factories, 12 retail stores, and a fine dining establishment. He was responsible for all aspects of retail, restaurant, customer service, signage, buildings and grounds, and marketing at the Quechee facility, growing the site into one of Vermont's most successful, high quality tourist destinations. Skehan also planned and organized the opening of several retail locations throughout New England and the opening of a destination facility in Brandywine, PA for Simon Pearce.

With a passion for people and teamwork, Skehan has developed lasting relationships with customers and suppliers throughout the Upper Valley, and is very well respected for his can-do attitude and entrepreneurial vision. "I am very excited to be on board at VINS and am looking forward to the exciting challenge of developing the VINS Nature Center to its full potential. I have long admired VINS for its good work in the fields of environmental education and conservation research and believe there is huge potential for the future for the organization. Amazingly, VINS has done a tremendous amount of work throughout the region that people aren't aware of and I want to help get the word out through the VINS Nature Center experience. One of my goals is to create the type of visitor experience at the VINS Nature Center that will motivate people to learn more about the environment, get involved, and come back over and over again to keep learning. Another goal is to make the VINS Nature Center one of the top five attractions in Vermont. The Center is beautiful and our location next to the Quechee Gorge is fantastic. I am amazed at the types of quality programming that we provide which speaks to why we've already doubled our visitation levels since our opening last June compared to when they were located in Woodstock. I'm delighted to join the VINS team at this important time in its history. It's a wonderful opportunity." said Skehan.

Originally from Ireland, Skehan now lives in Hartland with his wife and children. He can be reached at pjskehan@vinsweb.org.