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Contact: Mandy Hazelton, (404) 787 -3377
The National Park Service (NPS) today announced the selection of Reginald “Reggie” Chapple as superintendent of Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta, effective Aug. 25.“Reggie is an experienced leader with the right skills to lead in complex environments,” said Mark Foust, NPS South Atlantic-Gulf Regional Director. “He approaches his work with a high degree of collaboration and demonstrates great passion for the missions of the park and National Park Service. His background in executive leadership, civil rights and external affairs will contribute to his success as superintendent, as we partner with the King family to share the history and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.” Chapple has provided critical leadership for the NPS nationally as the Acting Associate Director of Partnerships and Civic Engagement for more than 3 years and as Division Chief for the NPS’s Office of Partnerships and Philanthropic Stewardship for the balance of his 12-year NPS career. Most recently, he has supported the U.S. Department of the Interior as Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnerships on special assignment since November.
“I have always been inspired by Dr. King’s leadership within the Civil Rights Movement, which continues to have global impact,” Chapple said. “I am honored to serve as superintendent of the Martin Luther King National Historical Park and committed to working with the King family, park staff and partners to preserve and share the legacy of Dr. King with the community that shaped him and his philosophies.”
Chapple has more than 20 years of experience as a non-profit executive with deep civil rights ties. He previously served as the chief operating officer of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) of Greater Los Angeles, and as president & CEO of a housing and community development non-profit corporation along the Historic Central Avenue corridor in Los Angeles where he managed three National Registry Monuments and led restoration efforts for the home of Dr. Ralph J. Bunche, a United Nations diplomat who co-authored the U.N. Charter and gained distinction as the first person of color to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Chapple served on the South Los Angeles Area Planning Commission that has oversight of land use and historic preservation. He had social justice instilled in him from his Southern parents who grew up in the Jim Crow South. His extended family from South Carolina and Arkansas taught him the importance of preserving community and family history. Whether in his mother’s beauty salon or participating in church events, he has always enjoyed joining activities at the intersection of people, place, and culture.
The Los Angeles native holds a Master of Arts degree in urban planning from UCLA and Bachelor of Arts degrees in journalism and international relations from the University of Southern California. He is writing his dissertation for a doctorate in socio-cultural anthropology from UCLA. Chapple recently completed the Senior Executive Service – Candidate Development Program, which trains future executives of the Federal Government.
Last updated: July 18, 2024