New Superintendent Named

Date: September 21, 2006
Contact: Phil Zichterman, 970-641-2337 x227

Connie Rudd, a 26-year veteran of the National Park Service (NPS), has been named Superintendent of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, according to Mike Snyder, Regional Director for the Intermountain Region.  Rudd will assume her new responsibilities on November 26, 2006.

 “Connie brings to our leadership table the demonstrated skill to manage complex issues and bring people together,” said Intermountain Regional Director Mike Snyder.  “Her leadership, problem solving skills and strategic vision has already helped the NPS resolve significant issues and meet important goals.”

Rudd is currently serving as the superintendent at Chickasaw National Recreation Area and Oklahoma state coordinator.  Her career with the National Park Service began in 1979 as an interpreter/educator.  She has served in a variety of capacities in various park units throughout the Service including Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, and Shenandoah National Parks, Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historical Site.  While at Shenandoah National Park, she served as the deputy superintendent where she was involved in the operational management of the 199,017-acre park, which hosts approximately two million visitors per year.  Rudd also served as a planner with the Denver Service Center and as the regional chief of interpretation in the former Rocky Mountain Regional Office. 

Rudd frequently served as an instructor for the NPS Training and Development program, presenting a range of training modules in subject areas of core values, policy, resource stewardship, strategic planning, decision making, and business management.  Additionally, Rudd took a two-year assignment as a planner in developing the heritage area partnerships of Southwestern Pennsylvania.  Administered through the Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission, the America’s Industrial Heritage project linked nine counties, dozens of communities, and hundreds of individuals in developing historic resources and the interpretation, education and visitor use components of a dynamic partnership.

She has been selected for the inaugural class of the National Conservation Leadership Institute, a six month developmental program directed by Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and Public Policy.  Her training begins in November and will focus on water conservation issues, blending public and private needs to secure a sustainable future.

“I am humbled and deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve as superintendent of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curecanti National Recreation Area,” said Rudd.  “Both areas have stunning resources and unique challenges, and I look forward to working with the dedicated and talented staff, partners, congressional staff, and the neighboring communities to protect and enhance these special places."  

Rudd holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio University and has completed a number of graduate courses at the University of Illinois and the University of Colorado. She has published two books on the natural and cultural history of the Grand Canyon and has authored scores of professional articles in journals and proceedings.