|
Contact: Julena Campbell, 304-640-0724
PHILADELPHIA, PA - National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Regional Director Mike Caldwell announced the selection of Lizzie Watts as superintendent of New River Gorge National River, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River. Watts currently serves as superintendent of Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and Andrew Johnson National Cemetery in Tennessee. She will transition to her new position in early January.
“The Northeast Region is pleased to welcome Lizzie back,” said Mike Caldwell. “Her vast expertise and knowledge in leadership, park management, and community development is an asset to the National Park Service.” Watts, a 25-year veteran of the NPS, served five regions in various disciplines throughout the country. She began her career at Blue Ridge Parkway as a park ranger, while attending North Carolina State University. From Blue Ridge Parkway, she held various law enforcement positions at Olympic National Park, George Washington Parkway, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Watts then served as supervisory park ranger and acting chief of interpretation and education at New River Gorge National River, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River. She also held the position of management assistant for the Northeast regional director, superintendent at both Women’s Rights National Historical Park and Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, and acting facility chief for the Southeast Region. “I am excited and delighted to be returning to where I call home and the three prettiest parks in the country. New River, Gauley River, and Bluestone National Scenic River all share remarkable resources and the stories of the industrial growth of America,” said Watts. “I look forward to having the opportunity to meet new people and rekindle old friendships throughout the park, the region, and the state.” Watts says she looks forward to her return to West Virginia, where there are so many great resources and great people. She enjoys spending time with her dog, good friends, and family. About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 413 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
|
Last updated: November 28, 2016