The National Park Service has picked a new superintendent for Grand Teton National Park. David Vela will replace former Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott, who retired in November.
Vela is currently an associate director for the Park Service in Washington D.C. and has overseen several other parks and historic sites. He also served as director of the National Park Service’s southeast region.
Vela says he will place a major emphasis on working with park employees and the community.
“Every different discipline in the park has a very important say – or should have an important say – in how that park is managed, and its short- and long-term strategic interest,” Vela said.
Vela also says he wants to do more to engage people who may not know about the park.
He’ll be starting his new job in March.