Jim Richardson is Named Superintendent.

News Release Date: December 19, 2013

Contact: Ben Hayes, 671-333-4051

Date:  December 19, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO – Jim Richardson has been selected as superintendent of War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam and American Memorial Park in Saipan.  Jim replaces Barbara Alberti who has transferred to the Pacific West Regional Office in San Francisco.

"Jim brings experience in field operations and managing diverse types of parks, ranging from an urban setting to wilderness," said Pacific West Regional Director Chris Lehnertz.  "This will be his first superintendent assignment following 31 years of primarily law enforcement and emergency services duties.  He is a strong team leader with a track record of building partnerships and community relations and I am delighted that he has accepted this position."

Richardson served for four months as Acting Superintendent at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona.  During this time, he managed the 330,000 acre park that is 98% Wilderness immediately adjacent to the border with Mexico.  Prior to his posting at Organ Pipe Cactus, Richardson worked at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area for six years as the Chief Ranger.  During his tenure there he earned the respect of the local community and was also selected by the National Park Service Pacific West Region for the Harry Yount Award for excellence in park ranger duties.

"I am deeply honored to be selected for this opportunity," said Richardson.  "I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and fell in love with our national parks while traveling to the parks of all corners of the U.S. with my family.  I did a detail to Guam and Saipan in 2011 sparking an appreciation of the special places, memories, and people of the islands.  I look forward to working with the community and our partners in promoting the enjoyment and stewardship of the parks."

Richardson earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Parks and Recreation Management from the University of Nebraska.  He began his professional career with the National Park Service in 1982 as a climbing and backcountry ranger at Rocky Mountain National Park.  He has also served as a ranger at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Zion National Park, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.  He expects to arrive in Guam early February 2014.

Richardson has been married for 32 years to his wife Cindy.  They have two daughters, Hilary, who lives in Japan, and Kyli, who is currently attending college in California.  Richardson enjoys biking, running, fishing, and rowing.  He is looking forward to adapting his rowing skills to outrigger canoes around the islands.

War in the Pacific National Historical Park was established to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of those participating in the campaigns of the Pacific theater of World War II and to conserve and interpret outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values and objects on the island of Guam for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. To learn more, visit www.nps.gov/wapa.  American Memorial Park honors the American and Marianas people who gave their lives during the Marianas Campaign of World War II.  There are 5,204 names inscribed on a memorial which was dedicated during the 50^th anniversary of the Invasion of Saipan.  Within the 133-acre boundary are white beaches, sports, picnic sites, playgrounds, walkways, and a 30-acre protected wetland and mangrove forest.  To learn more, visit www.nps.gov/amme.

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