News Release
National Park Service
News Release Date: March 12, 2024
SAN FRANCISCO - The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Chris Rodriguez as superintendent of Cabrillo National Monument. He will begin his new role April 21.
Rodriguez has been in various park leadership roles for 16 years. He currently serves as the chief of facilities and administration for four NPS sites in the Oakland area: Eugene O’Neil National Historic Site, John Muir National Historic Site, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, and Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park.
In this role, he works collaboratively with his team to manage the parks’ facilities and administration division functions. He also has direct involvement in interpretation, education, natural and cultural resources, and planning of the four sites, each of which tells a distinct story.
“Chris is known for his authentic leadership skills and the supportive relationships and teams he builds wherever he goes. He’s great at working across the entire organization to find out what’s needed, then bringing everyone together to make it happen,” said Pacific West Regional Director David Szymanski. “He’s also a leader in making park sites and programming as accessible and available as possible to the public – especially underrepresented and underserved segments of the community.”
“I am humbled and incredibly honored to serve as the superintendent at Cabrillo National Monument,” said Rodriguez. “I look forward to working with the staff, and the park’s partners to build on past work and create a collaborative vision for the future. I am eager to engage with the expansive cultural and natural resources and explore outreach opportunities that capitalize on the park’s proximity to a diversely populated area.”
Rodriguez began his National Park Service career as a trail worker at Pinnacles National Park in 1998. In 2001, he began leading and supervising trail crews and youth programs at Joshua Tree National Park, where he developed a strong connection to youth in the local community through a nationally recognized Youth Conservation Corps program. Throughout his career, he has maintained this dedication to youth programs and recruiting a diverse workforce.
Rodriguez, his wife Sara (who works as an NPS human resource specialist), their dog Luna, and cats Marv and Mia, will move to San Diego. Their daughter, Grace, currently attends the University of California, San Diego, and will graduate this summer.
When not working, Rodriguez enjoys watching movies, reading, following the Los Angeles Dodgers, and barbequing with family and friends. He is also looking forward to renewing his love for surfing and snorkeling.
Cabrillo National Monument is at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego. It commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. This event marked the first time a European expedition had set foot on what later became the West Coast of the United States.
The park offers a view of San Diego's harbor and skyline, as well as Coronado and Naval Air Station North Island. On clear days, a wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Tijuana, and Mexico's Coronado Islands are also visible.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 429 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, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: March 12, 2024