News Release

Karen Dorn selected as Cuyahoga Valley National Park deputy superintendent

Date: January 12, 2022
Contact: Pamela Barnes, 440-241-5857

Karen Dorn, CVNP Deputy Superintendent

NPS

BRECKSVILLE, Ohio – Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) superintendent Lisa Petit announced the selection of Karen Dorn as deputy superintendent. Petit and Dorn also oversee James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor and First Ladies National Historic Site in Canton. Dorn currently serves as superintendent of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe, Ohio. She will transfer into her new role in mid-February.“

We are thrilled to welcome Karen to our leadership team. We will benefit from her wealth of operational and partnership experience as we move our 3 parks into the future” said superintendent Petit. “She has proven herself to be a passionate, collaborative, and caring leader who is committed to the mission of the National Park Service and to the professional and personal success of her employees and colleagues.”

Dorn is a 36- year veteran of the National Park Service. She has served in a dozen park units and numerous disciplines including visitor and resource protection, natural and cultural resource management, interpretation, public affairs and partnership development. During her tenure at Hopewell Culture, Dorn worked closely with the Ohio History Connection to submit a nomination for the “Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks” to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. She has also worked to improve communication with the park’s Tribal Nations partners to support projects, youth employment, and recognition of Native American history and heritage.

“I am honored to be selected as deputy superintendent and excited to return to my park service “roots” at CVNP.” said Dorn. “I look forward to being part of the amazing changes underway to support environmental, recreational, and economic benefits for the visiting public and local communities.”

A northeast Ohio native, Dorn began her career as a seasonal law enforcement ranger at CVNP. Prior to taking the helm at Hopewell Culture in 2018, Karen served as superintendent of Pinnacles National Park in California, and prior to that was superintendent at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Seattle, Washington.

Dorn is a 1984 graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She completed the Penn State University Executive Program for Emerging Leaders in Public Service, and the National Park Service Superintendent’s Leadership Academy. When off duty, Karen enjoys participating in Rotary Club activities, horseback riding, traveling, and hiking. She will be relocating to the Akron area in March.

CVNP encompasses 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural resources in one setting. For more information, visit us at www.nps.gov/cuva on Facebook ,Twitter or Instagram, or call 440-717-3890.
 

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