Date: October 1, 2010
Contact: Ace Crawford, (605) 574-3185
(Keystone, SD) Cheryl A. Schreier, the new Superintendent at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, officially began her duties on September 27, 2010. She is the first female Superintendent in the memorial’s history.
Schreier is a seasoned leader with extensive experience from two previous Superintendent assignments, most recently as Superintendent at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa. Her in-depth knowledge of business practices, experience in concession management, proven ability to work with partners and knowledge of the area has allowed Schreier to hit the ground running. “I already feel at home,” said Schreier. “Having started my career at Jewel Cave, this seems like a natural fit to be back in the beautiful Black Hills where my passion for the Park Service and its mission was first kindled.” Schreier met her husband Bill, now a National Park Service retiree, in 1979 while both were serving at Jewel Cave.
As she prepares to lead the memorial’s operations, she looks forward to the challenges and opportunities. “Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a tremendous source of pride for this region, this state and our country. I look forward to getting to know the park staff, our partners, the Black Hills communities, and the state of South Dakota, as we work together to protect and promote this inspirational and patriotic monument. I’m honored to be here,” said Schreier.
Prior to her Superintendency at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, Schreier was Superintendent at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in Stanton, North Dakota. She began her National Park Service career as a seasonal Park Technician at Jewel Cave National Monument, Custer, South Dakota, and served at Death Valley National Park in California. Schreier was a seasonal Park Ranger for many years at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming before landing a permanent position in 1989 at Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She returned to Yellowstone National Park as a Park Ranger/ Concessions Assistant, before becoming a Natural Resource Specialist in the National Park Service Intermountain Regional Office in Denver, Colorado, where she managed the National Natural Landmark Program. Schreier also served as a Management Specialist at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, for eight years.
A Richfield, Minnesota, native, Schreier earned her Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Education, and Biology through the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. She is an outdoor recreation enthusiast and looks forward to pursuing those interests in the Black Hills.
