Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Nominated to Lead Park Service
The superintendent of Grand Teton National Park has been nominated to become the next director of the National Park Service.
President Donald Trump on Friday announced the nomination of David Vela. According to a statement from U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Vela has served at every level of the service over the course of his career. Zinke's office says Vela would be the first Hispanic American to hold the position.
"David Vela has demonstrated all of the ideals that the National Park Service stands for, and his long track record of leadership on behalf of the people and places of the National Park Service distinguish him as the right man for the job," Zinke said. "Our extraordinary national parks will be in the best of hands with David at the helm."
"Few people have the knowledge, passion and appreciation for our amazing national parks as David Vela," Governor Matt Mead said. "He has been a good partner to Wyoming and an effective leader at Grand Teton National Park. I am excited to see his name move forward. National Parks will be in great hands with David at the helm."
Vela said he was deeply humbled by the nomination. He would be the nineteenth director of the National Park Service if confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
"Having worn the uniform of the National Park Service for more than 28 years, I greatly value all that it represents and the importance of ensuring that we build a next-generation workforce that is ready to take on the challenges and opportunities facing our agency.
Vela has served as superintendent of the park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway since 2014. Vela previously served as associate director for Workforce, Relevancy and Inclusion in the NPS Washington headquarters offices. He also served for over four years as the NPS Southeast Regional Director and as superintendent of Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, and the George Washington Memorial Parkway.