Vision Hudson Valley recognizes Jim Delaune with its 2023 Graham Skea Quality of Life Award

Vision Hudson Valley has awarded Jim Delaune, the executive director of the Orange County Land Trust, with its 2023 Graham Skea Quality of Life Award.

Vision Hudson Valley, formerly known as the Orange County Citizens Foundation, created this award to honor former Orange County Parks Commissioner Graham M. Skea in recognition of his many contributions both to the organization and the community as a whole.

Skea was always a strong advocate for public/private partnerships, lending his skills to a multitude of countywide organizations. His dedication to numerous projects and causes has been recognized by many of those organizations; he also received many national, regional, and state professional honors during his career.

Delaune’s career began with the City of Newburgh’s Community Development Agency where he served for 20 years and ultimately became the executive director. In that capacity, Delaune was responsible for the redevelopment of the Newburgh waterfront, inducing SUNY Orange to locate a satellite campus in the city. He also successfully undertook numerous affordable housing and historic preservation projects.

He has held the position of executive director of the Orange County Land Trust since 2006. The Orange County Land Trust has protected more than 6,500 acres which includes portions of Sterling Forest, numerous working farms and, in the near future, Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Delaune continues being active throughout the community, serving as a board member of the Ulster County Soil and Water District, D&H Canal Museum and Town of New Paltz Community Preservation Committee. He also sits on the board of the Chester Agricultural Center, which provides affordable farmland and infrastructure to beginning organic and biodynamic farmers, making farming more accessible to those who otherwise could not afford it.

Delaune also served three terms in the Ulster County Legislature where he chaired the Legislative Programs Committee.

“It was an honor to recognize Jim with this prestigious award,” said Kaitlynn Lancellotti, executive director of Vision Hudson Valley. “Jim’s dedication to the Hudson Valley region throughout his career and his community involvement is why he is so deserving of the 2023 Graham Skea Award.”

For more information, visit visionhudsonvalley.org, call 845 469-9459 or email jperez@visionhudsonvalley.org.