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GATLINBURG, Tenn.— The National Park Service welcomed Charles D. Sellars as the superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park during an Assumption of Responsibility ceremony held in the park on March 4. The ceremony marking the transition of leadership brought together National Park Service leadership, tribal leaders, park partners, community leaders and park employees.
Sellars officially assumed the role in late February and becomes the 17th superintendent of the nation’s most visited national park. Sellars has served as acting superintendent for the past year, providing leadership for the park as it continues to welcome millions of visitors annually and steward its internationally recognized natural and cultural resources.
“Having grown up near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I am honored to serve as superintendent,” said Superintendent Charles D. Sellars. “Over the past year, it has been a privilege to work alongside our dedicated team, partners, and gateway communities as we serve millions of visitors and care for the park’s extraordinary natural and cultural resources. I look forward to building on this momentum to advance visitor experience, resource stewardship and collaboration across the region.”
Sellars previously served as superintendent of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River. In that role, he helped guide the transition of New River Gorge to national park status and strengthened partnerships with Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, local communities and outdoor recreation groups. He also oversaw development of the Rend Trail connecting Thurmond and Oak Hill, West Virginia, and the renovation of the Canyon Rim Visitor Center near Fayetteville.
Sellars began his federal career in 1985 as an engineering draftsman on the Blue Ridge Parkway. He went on to serve in a variety of leadership roles across the National Park Service, including chief of facility management at Bandelier National Monument, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the Outer Banks National Parks Group of North Carolina. He later served as deputy chief of facility management at Great Smoky Mountains National Park before becoming superintendent of Andersonville National Historic Site and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, welcoming more than 13 million visitors each year. The park protects more than 522,000 acres of diverse landscapes and is internationally recognized for its biodiversity, scenic beauty and cultural history.
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About the National Park Service
Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.
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Last updated: March 13, 2026