Jack Potter and Neil Brewster Receive Superior Service Awards

Date: March 7, 2007
Contact: Melissa Wilson, 406 888-7895

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Glacier National Park’s Chief of Science and Resources Management Jack Potter and Glacier’s Contract Specialist Neil Brewster were each recently honored with the Superior Service Award of the National Park Service (NPS) in recognition of their outstanding contributions and commitment to the NPS mission.

Superintendent Mick Holm praised Potter, "For over 36 years, Jack Potter has demonstrated to his coworkers and staff the highest principles of leadership and integrity. His commitment to Glacier’s resources have significantly contributed to their preservation and served as an example to other personnel and programs, both regionally and internationally."

In congratulating Brewster, Holm commented, "For almost 30 years, Neil Brewster has been an example of dedication, leadership, and procurement integrity to everyone here at Glacier. His provision of goods and services in a timely manner consistent with government policy has been exemplary." He added, "This past November, he was instrumental to the completion of the truly landmark cooperative agreement between the NPS, the State of Montana, and Flathead County for the provision of transit buses and transit services."

Potter has made significant contributions to Glacier’s 735 mile trail system. He established the park’s wilderness management program and authored the Wilderness Management Plan. He also authored the Trails and Corral Plan which directs overall maintenance goals and standards for trail and packing operations. Potter has served as the primary natural resource and recreation representative for numerous environmental assessments and environmental impact statements. He also advocated for the creation of the Science and Resources Management Division at Glacier. He spearheaded the organization of the Science Conference for natural and cultural resources.

Potter began his NPS career at Glacier in 1970 as a seasonal member of the trail crew and he continued working seasonally until 1976. He became a permanent NPS employee in 1978 as the Hudson Bay District trails foreman. Since then, he has served as backcountry supervisor, assistant chief ranger, and most recently as Chief of Science and Resources Management.

Through Brewster’s efforts, Glacier received the Small Business Administrations "2005 Agency of the Year Award" in recognition of contributions made through assistance, encouragement and support of minority owned businesses in Montana. He participated in the Intermountain Region’s CORE operations process for contracting services, and currently chairs the Intermountain Region’s Contracting Officer Advisory Board.

Brewster served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971. All of his civilian service has been at Glacier. He began in 1978 as a procurement clerk and received subsequent promotions to purchasing agent, procurement officer, and ultimately to his current position as contract specialist with a level IV contracting officer warrant.

Honor awards are the most prestigious recognition that can be granted by the Department for career accomplishments, exceptional support for the Department mission or heroism. The Superior Service Award may be granted to career employees for significant acts, services or achievement that materially aid or affect the successful accomplishment of the Service’s mission. The Superior Service Award is non-monetary.