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Date: 7/13/2022
WESTFIELD — Robert “Bob” McKean waves and greets every visitor he encounters along his route as he wheels his white golf cart — his “limo” — through Westfield’s Stanley Park one recent morning.
“It’s always nice to see family members from all generations enjoying all that park has to offer,” said McKean, who will end a 14-year stint as managing director of the park when he retires this year.
He had just retired from state government, in a management position at the Department of Veteran Services, when he saw the posting for the director’s position at the park. McKean and his wife Nancy were moving to Southampton from his hometown of Gardner to be near his daughter and grandchildren.
“I thought it would be a real nice fit and one I would enjoy,” recalled McKean, 74. “And I’ve enjoyed my time here. But it’s time for retirement.”
Now a Westfield resident, he won’t be leaving until the end of the year, so he can help make a smooth transition for the new director of the private, 300-acre nonprofit park on Western Avenue.
Angela Derouin, president of the park’s board of directors, said a search for McKean’s successor is well under way, with the position posted on both local and national sites.
“We’re currently reviewing resumes and conducting initial screening interviews. Bob’s shoes will be tough to fill,” she added. Derouin said the board would like to fill the position within the next few months so there’s an overlap before McKean retires.
According to information about the search on the park’s website, the managing director is responsible for overseeing the entire operation of Stanley Park. Responsibilities include administration, programs, strategic planning, fundraising, marketing and community outreach.
Applicants must have a U.S. work authorization and should have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience in this field, or in a similar position in a responsible supervisory or leadership capacity. Prior experience in horticulture or public gardening is preferred.
Derouin said she anticipates a salary range between $90,000 and $100,000, depending on the successful candidate’s skills and experience.
McKean said it’s been a pleasure to work with a dedicated team of board of directors, committed staff members, volunteers and donors. “It’s a complete team effort every day — and I’m fortunate and extremely proud to watch the park continue to grow for future generations to enjoy,” he said.
“I’ve always looked at my position as being a bus driver with this very large and dedicated team. They, along with the many visitors, are all on the bus helping in so many ways to make the park successful,” McKean added.
“Bob talks about the team at the park as ‘family’ and over the years he’s worked hard to instill that feeling in all of the employees — they all care about each other — and the park,” added Derouin.
McKean likes introducing the park to out-of-town visitors as well as local residents by talking with them and conducting tours. Donna Herman, a long-time board member, added that McKean welcomes those who stop in his office and doesn’t hesitate to share highlights of the park — and in some cases offer a “cook’s tour.”
“Bob works closely with the Development Office, and whenever letters of appreciation are sent out, he adds his own hand-written note of thanks on the bottom,” said Herman. “The park has been his home away from home. His love and appreciation for his position has been obvious to all who have worked with him.”
Derouin said McKean also has been passionate about bringing the park to the community.
“Bob is available above and beyond his normal working hours, both at the park and in the community — handing out scholarships, talking about the park at the Senior Center and other community associations, and attending meetings at City Hall.”
McKean has made improvements at the park to make it more enjoyable and safer for visitors. But he’s also been what Derouin called “a keen money manager” who pays close attention to the budget.
“During the [coronavirus] pandemic, Bob made some tough decisions that helped make sure our balance sheet stayed in good order,” explained Derouin. “As a private, non-profit organization, the park must manage finances closely — and Bob has been an amazing steward for Stanley Park.”
As managing director, McKean has been involved in numerous major projects at the park, including:
The project mostly likely nearest and dearest to McKean’s heart is the creation of the park’s Veterans Memorial. A veteran of the Air Force, he served in the USAF Presidential Honor and the Strategic Air Command Elite Guard. He also was managing director of the state’s veterans cemeteries in Agawam and Winchendon before his state retirement.
Derouin said building the memorial was McKean’s “brainchild.” The large granite memorial, dedicated in 2010, honors the five military branches (Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard), along with the Merchant Marine.
The perimeter of the circle in front of the memorial and a walkway leading to it are lined with large “Honor Bricks.” These are engraved with names and service dates of veterans from around the country — living and deceased. It’s one of the most visited areas of the park.
Funds from the sale of the brick tributes goes to the perpetual care of the memorial. McKean said when he looks at the bricks, he doesn’t see just names in stones: “I see people who had lives and families.”
Derouin said McKean has been the “face” of Stanley Park, and will be missed at the park and by its visitors.
“Bob remains passionate about staying true to founder Frank Stanley Beveridge’s vision that Stanley Park be a refuge of physical and spiritual beauty, where families and individuals could enjoy gardens, trails, music, education, sporting, and cultural activities in secure and peaceful surroundings,” she said.
McKean said it’s been an honor to help people at the park.
“I will miss meeting new people and having the opportunity to present them with the beauty of Stanley Park and its amenities and hear all their stories. I will miss beginning each new day in a beautiful place and all the friends and acquaintances I’ve made along the way.”