New superintendent announced for Grand Teton Park
Grand Teton National Park has a new superintendent.
David Vela will began his duties in six weeks, the park service announced Tuesday.
Vela is presently associate director for Workforce, Relevancy and Inclusion in the National Park Service’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. He oversees NPS programs including Human Resources, Learning and Development, Equal Opportunity, Youth, and the Office of Relevancy, Diversity & Inclusion.
Vela has held a variety of jobs across the country with the Park Service and other federal agencies, many of which were in a supervisory role.
“David has a great blend of senior management experience both within and outside of the Park Service, including an extensive and proven record of achievement in managing large and complex park operations,” said Intermountain Regional Director Sue Masica in a news release. “He has also had great success in working with partners and local communities, and he is especially passionate about making our national parks more relevant to diverse populations.”
Vela is a graduate of Texas A&M University, with a bachelor of science degree in recreation and parks.
He and his wife, Melissa, have two children, Christina and Anthony, and four grandchildren.
“I am humbled at the opportunity to serve as superintendent of Grand Teton and the Rockefeller Memorial Parkway,” Vela said. “I look forward eagerly to working with the parks’ dedicated staff, the local community, and the many partners who care so deeply about these park treasures. It is truly a spectacular place and one that provides inspiration and enjoyment for current and future generations to come.”
