Brian Warburton

HAMPTON -- Former selectman Brian Warburton has been hired as the new Seacoast regional supervisor of the state Division of Parks and Recreation.

"I'm very excited," said Warburton.

The position includes being responsible for state parks located on the Seacoast.

Those include not only beaches but the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion in Portsmouth, and forts Stark and Constitution, as well as White's Island, one of the Isles of Shoals.

The Department of Parks and Recreation cited Warburton's experience in the Seacoast region and his proven leadership as to why he was hired.

According to Allison McLean, the division director, Warburton's municipal position in Hampton often brought him into contact with the division, and she touted his "proven leadership" in the areas of customer service, management and organization.

Warburton says he was drawn to the job because it represented the best of both worlds and combines his experience as a former longtime manager and a public official.

Warburton, who started last Monday, is already in the process of getting ready for the summer tourism season.

That includes opening up state bathroom facilities and cleaning up the beaches.

"It's been a busy week," said Warburton.

He's in the process of hiring and or re-hiring the more than 150 seasonal employees needed to run the parks and historic locations here on the Seacoast.

Those include about 40 lifeguards, an extensive meter patrol and one of the largest custodial and maintenance operations in the state.

He's also looking at the infrastructure needs.

Although he has an office in Rye, Warburton said he will rarely be spending his time there. Instead, he plans to be proactive and work hand-in-hand with the management team already in place.

"This job isn't going to be Monday through Friday," said Warburton. "Anyone who knows me, knows that when I was a selectman it was never a one day a week job. This is going to be around the clock for me. I want to take care of our visitors and guests."

Warburton said he considers his primary role to provide great customer service. He considers himself an ambassador to the state tourism seasons.

"My job is to provide the best customer service of the visitors who come to the Seacoast from around the world," Warburton said. "We want them to have a good experience so they will come back again and again. We want them to come here to recreate and say what beautiful beaches we have."