News Release

Tom Schaff selected for long-term detail as Superintendent for Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

NPS

News Release Date: October 16, 2023

ANCHORAGE, AK— Tom Schaff has been selected for a year-long detail as superintendent of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, in Gustavus, AK. Schaff, a veteran NPS employee currently serves as the park’s deputy superintendent.

“We are confident that Tom’s experience working with our tribal partners and his familiarity with park operations will bring consistent leadership and a steady hand to Glacier Bay,” said Alaska Regional Director Sarah Creachbaum.

While at Glacier Bay, Schaff has worked on the park's most challenging issues including beginning implementation of the recently completed backcountry/wilderness, and marine management plans, co-hosting with Hoonah Indian Association a delegation of Protected Area Managers and indigenous leaders from Chile to share lessons learned and opportunities. Tom also worked to improve broadband capacity for the park, as well as the groundbreaking on a new concessions employee dorm in Bartlett Cove.

“Glacier Bay is a special place and I really look forward to this year-long detail where I can finish some of the important work the park has initiated and to help the park prioritize co-stewardship and continue growing its relationships with park partners,” said Schaff.

Tom’s NPS career began as a member of the NPS Alpine Interagency Hotshot Crew, and Grand Canyon National Park Helitack. He graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in 2002, and for 20 years, Schaff served as a Law Enforcement Ranger at Olympic National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, Lava Beds National Monument, Virgin Islands National Park, and as District Ranger at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Chief Ranger at Scotts Bluff National Monument and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Tom grew up in Los Angeles and received a BA from San Jose State University. He and his wife, Suzy, and son, Jake, live in Gustavus, Alaska along with their 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 4 fish. They enjoy traveling, kayaking, skiing, and look forward to exploring more of Alaska.