News Release

Devils Tower National Monument Announces Addition to Leadership Team

NPS/Tyler Devine

News Release Date: January 4, 2024 DEVILS TOWER, WY — Devils Tower National Monument is pleased to announce an addition to the Leadership Team with the selection of John Hinrichs as the new Facility Manager.Superintendent Doug Crossen said, “We are happy to welcome John to the Tower’s Leadership Team. John’s knowledge and expertise are a great fit for this position. He will be an integral part of leading Devils Tower National Monument into the future.”

Hinrichs will supervise the Tower’s facility management division, supporting several permanent and temporary staff in the upkeep of the campground, numerous historic park buildings, trails, and roadways. John’s diverse experience includes leading reconstruction projects of historic cabins in Alaska to repairing trails near the volcanos of Hawaii. He is not new to this type of work, having served in maintenance positions for the last 9 years in park sites across the country, “all while drinking millions of cups of coffee along the way,” says Hinrichs. Most recently, he served as a Maintenance Mechanic (Climbing) at high-elevation camps at Mount Rainer in Washington state.  John’s skill set matches the work that needs to be done and will help further the National Park Service’s mission of protecting and maintaining the Monument’s unique resources. 

John grew up in South Dakota. He received a B.S. in Park and Recreation Management at South Dakota State University and a M.S. in Sustainability from the nearby Black Hills State University.  “The Black Hills have always been a special place to me, and I’m so grateful to be working for an iconic monument with such a long, rich natural and cultural story,” Hinrichs said.