After seven successful years as Lake Barkley State Resort Park manager, David Miller is headed for a new, but familiar, adventure.
Miller was able to confirm Wednesday that he’s been hired for a similar position at John James Audobon State Park in Henderson — putting him in one of the more unique roles in west Kentucky, while placing he and his family within a 15-minute drive of their loved ones in Owensboro and Daviess County.
He noted it was a difficult decision, but one their family couldn’t let pass.
A former president of the club and active Cadiz Rotarian, Miller’s tenure at Barkley could fairly be termed as one of the most eclectic and challenging since its 1970 construction.
In the last three years alone, he and his staff have had to orient the property to become a COVID-19 quarantine site and serve as a safe bastion for Mayfield tornado victims — both under the advisement of Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration.
Furthermore, the Boots Randolph Golf Course recently underwent a major waterways reconstruction, and a housing wing remains under renovation following a destructive 2021 fire.
In reflection, Miller said leaving Cadiz and Trigg County would be the hardest part of this change.
Miller was hired in September 2015 as the park’s sixth-ever manager. He noted he will still be traveling quite a bit between Henderson and Trigg counties over the next few months — mostly as a liaison and transistor for the number of projects in the pipeline.
A major position within the state’s park infrastructure, Miller said his job will be posted and open to all qualifying applicants — with internal promotions and outside hires equally possible.
He did impart some advice for whomever is next in line.
Miller’s start date at John James Audobon State Park is December 1.
