NPCA Celebrates Confirmation of Chuck Sams as National Park Service Director

“It is an honor to officially welcome Chuck Sams as National Park Service Director and recognize the significance of the first Indigenous leader in the agency’s 105-year history,“ said National Parks Conservation Association President and CEO Theresa Pierno.

"Our national parks are part of the ‘forever business’ but are under enormous threat today, from the climate crisis to crumbling infrastructure, internal staffing issues to overcrowding. Shaping a better future for our 423 national parks, which protect wild nature and share our country’s rich and diverse history and cultures, requires a strong leader.

"My recent conversations with Chuck and knowledge of his Tribal government and deep, community-inspired leadership roles confirmed that he is capable and ready to take on this responsibility.

"NPCA was founded more than a century ago by the very first Park Service Director and has since worked closely with every agency leader. We welcome this new era of leadership for the Park Service and know that Chuck is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work with tens of thousands of dedicated park staff across our country’s incredible historic, cultural and wild park lands.”

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its nearly 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.