Cliff Spencer to Head Petrified Forest National Park

News Release Date: January 25, 2008

Contact: Lyn Carranza, [phone] ext 245

Cliff Spencer to Head Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest, AZ ― Clifford (Cliff) Spencer, a 23-year NPS veteran, has been selected the new superintendent of Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, according to Intermountain Regional Director Michael Snyder. Spencer will assume his new responsibilities February 3, 2008. He succeeds Brad Traver, who served in an interim capacity following the transfer of Superintendent Lee Baiza.

Currently serving as superintendent of White Sands National Monument, Spencer led the rehabilitation of historic adobe buildings, replacement of a handicapped accessible boardwalk, and the successful reopening of the Monument following extensive flooding in 2006.

“I feel fortunate to be going to Petrified Forest, and look forward to working with park staff, local agencies, park neighbors and others in maintaining the infrastructure and increasing visitation to a great place.” Spencer said. 

Prior to his assignment at White Sands, Spencer served in various ranger assignments at Point Reyes National Seashore in California, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area in California, Lake Mead National Recreational Area in Nevada, and Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

A native of Los Angeles, California, Spencer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Administration from California State University, Northridge and an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology from Pierce College in Los Angeles. Spencer is married to Beth, his wife of 15 years. They have a 12-year old daughter.

As Superintendent at Petrified Forest National Park, Spencer will manage 108,693 acres, an annual operating budget of more than $2.8 million, and a staff of approximately 55. Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona features one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood. Also included at Petrified Forest National Park are the multi-hued badlands of the Painted Desert, historic structures, archeological sites, and displays of 225 million year old fossils.

For more information call [phone] weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time; or write to the Superintendent, Petrified Forest National Park, P.O. Box 2217, Petrified Forest, AZ 86028; or e-mail the park.