National Park Service Director Robert Stanton today announced the appointment of David A. Mihalic as superintendent of Yosemite National Park in California, to be effective October 25, 1999.

"Dave Mihalic is a very talented and qualified professional with extensive experience in managing natural national parks with complex challenges of a similar magnitude as those facing Yosemite," said Stanton, who recently unveiled the Natural Resources Challenge, a plan for revitalizing natural resource programs in National Parks. "His proven dedication to preserving our Nation's natural and cultural heritage coupled with remarkable managerial skills makes him the perfect selection for Yosemite's superintendent."

Mihalic comes to Yosemite from Glacier National Park (MT), where he has been superintendent since July 1994, and has guided the park through the sensitive process of completing a Final General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. He also served as superintendent of Mammoth Cave National Park, from January 1988 to July 1994, where he forged strong ties between the park and community to protect the cave's fragile natural wonders.

He has served as Acting Chief, Office of Policy at NPS headquarters (DC) in 1994, and as Acting Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN) from June 1986 to February 1987 as well as Assistant Superintendent of that park from April 1985 to January 1988. He also served as superintendent of Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve (AK) from March 1981 to April 1985. "Dave Mihalic brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Yosemite; traits that will prove invaluable as he addresses many complex challenges" said Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt. "The National Park Service is fortunate to have such dedicated and skilled managers to place in charge of our national treasures."

Mihalic is the recipient of numerous awards including the Hastings Foundation's Superintendents Annual Leadership Award in 1998 for developing strong relationships with Gateway communities, the Garrison Gold Award for Interpretive Excellence in Glacier in 1996, and the prestigious Director's Award for Superintendent of the Year in 1994.

He received a bachelor's of science degree in Recreation Administration from Southern Illinois University in 1968, and a master's of science in Park and Recreation Resources from Michigan State University in 1974.

Yosemite National Park News Page

http://www.nps.gov/archive/yose/news/1999/supt1007.htm
File created/updated Wednesday, 22-Dec-2004 10:15:26 Eastern Standard Time
Yosemite National Park Public Information Office