News Release

Park Superintendent Retiring

Superintendent Oralia Z. Fernandez is retiring from the NPS after 28 years of service.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: December 20, 2023

Contact: Terae Cifuentes, [phone] ext. 224

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park Superintendent Oralia Z. Fernandez is retiring from the NPS after 28 years of service. Her last day in the park will be January 12, 2024.

A Brownsville, TX, native, Fernandez graduated from Brownsville High School and joined the military. She served in the Army, Army Reserves, Texas Army National Guard, Navy, and Navy Reserves. Fernandez served in the Navy Reserves concurrently while working at Palo Alto Battlefield from 1996 to 2010. While serving as a Seabee (Construction Battalion) with the Navy Reserves, she was recalled to active duty in March of 2003 and again in July of 2005. Fernandez retired from the military in December 2010 after having served for 22 years.

She joined the staff at Palo Alto Battlefield NHP in 1996 as an Automation Clerk and became the park’s Administrative Officer in 1998. In 2009, Fernandez began serving as Administrative Officer for both Palo Alto Battlefield NHP and Padre Island NS. In this role, she oversaw human resources, purchasing, property management, budget administration, contracting, housing, payroll, technology support, and correspondence for both parks.

In July 2020, Fernandez was selected as Superintendent of Palo Alto Battlefield NHP. Fernandez assumed the role during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most challenging times for the park and the nation. Under her leadership, the park was able to carry out its mission, complete critical projects, and expand its work with park partners. As Superintendent, Fernandez placed an emphasis on staff collaboration, and inter-divisional communication and building an inclusive, positive work environment.

Thank you, Oralia, for your years of dedication to Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park.

Fernandez is an avid runner and has completed over 70 half-marathons. She will continue to live in Brownsville, TX, but plans to do plenty of traveling.