Topics Related to Staff

Joseph Hiatt Named First Superintendent of Yellow Mountain State Natural Area

Joseph Hiatt has been promoted to park superintendent of Yellow Mountain State Natural Area in Avery and Mitchell counties.

Avis Promoted to Lead NC State Parks' South District

M. Scott Avis has been named as the new south district superintendent, overseeing 11 parks in the North Carolina state parks system.

Bryan Wilder Named Superintendent at Elk Knob State Park

Bryan Wilder has been promoted as the superintendent of Elk Knob State Park in Watauga County.

Matt Windsor Takes the Helm at Goose Creek State Park

Matt Windsor has been named as the new superintendent at Goose Creek State Park in Beaufort County.

Nealson Joins Stanley to Lead Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

Keith Nealson has been named a park superintendent at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in Vance and Warren counties.

Brian Strong Named Director of North Carolina State Parks

Brian Strong, a 23-year veteran of the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, has been named director of the division by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources."Our state parks are an unparalleled resource that preserve North Carolina's natural beauty for future generations while making our communities even better places to visit and call home," said Governor Roy Cooper. "Brian Strong is a proven leader who has shown his commitment to making North Carolina's state parks even strong and I'm confident he will serve our state well."

Amanda Lasley Named Superintendent at South Mountains State Park

Amanda Lasley, a veteran park ranger, has been named superintendent of South Mountains State Park in Burke County, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Lasley takes the helm after longtime superintendent Jonathan Griffith retired earlier this year.A park superintendent leads operations and administration at a park with wide-ranging responsibilities that include staffing, training, law enforcement, planning, natural resources management, environmental education and visitor services.

Tracy Minton Named Superintendent at New River State Park

Tracy Minton, the longtime superintendent at Elk Knob State Park, has been named superintendent of New River State Park in neighboring Alleghany and Ashe counties, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.Minton succeeds Joe Shimel, who was promoted to east district superintendent last year. Ranger Scott Robinson served as acting superintendent during the interim.

North Carolina State Parks Commemorates Juneteenth by Honoring Former Jones Lake State Park Superintendent

The Juneteenth 2023 celebration at Jones Lake State Park celebrated Dewitt Powell, the first Black superintendent of the park.

State Parks Director Dwayne Patterson Announces Retirement

Patterson, the first African American director for the Division, will depart early next year.