Barbara Rice (Enterprise photo — Justin A. Levine)

RAY BROOK — Saranac Laker Barbara Rice is officially the new executive director of the Adirondack Park Agency.

The APA board confirmed Rice’s position at its regular board meeting on Thursday after Gov. Kathy Hochul selected Rice to lead the agency last month. Hochul announced Rice as her choice less than one week after longtime director Terry Martino publicized her retirement from the post.

Martino will officially retire on Feb. 23, according to a news release from the APA. The agency’s deputy director of regulatory programs, Rob Lore, is expected to serve as acting director until Rice takes over the position in the second week of March.

“I am honored that Gov. Hochul recommended me as the next executive director of the Adirondack Park Agency, and I am grateful to the board for approving my appointment today,” Rice said in a statement. “I wish Terry Martino the very best in her retirement. I know I will have big shoes to fill with her departure. I am also thrilled to return to the Adirondacks and my hometown of Saranac Lake. I look forward to working with the members of the board as well the excellent staff at the agency on the important issues facing the park.”

Rice was not immediately available for additional comment on Thursday.

Rice has served as the state’s assistant secretary for economic development since 2018. She was appointed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Rice became the first woman chair of the Franklin County Legislature in 2017 — at the time, she was the first legislator from the southern end of the county in 20 years to be named Legislature chair. As a county legislator, she represented county District 7 from 2014 to 2018. Rice has previous experience with the APA, too, holding a spot as an agency commissioner from 2016 to 2018.

Rice also has a long list of hometown involvement. She’s served as a Saranac Lake village trustee, as director of the Saranac Lake Local Development Corporation and as a member of the Harrietstown Board of Assessment and Review. She also worked full time from 2005 to 2018 as a managing partner at her family business, Rice Furniture, a more than 75-year staple on Saranac Lake’s Main Street.

APA Chair John Ernst welcomed Rice home on Thursday.

“The Adirondack Park Agency Board is thrilled to welcome Barb Rice back to her lifelong home,” he said in a statement. “As a third-generation business owner and dedicated public servant, Barb has the practical experience and proven management skills necessary to successfully advance the mission of the Adirondack Park Agency. The agency thanks Gov. Hochul for prioritizing the seamless transition of leadership at the park agency.”