President Joe Biden in mid-August announced his intent to nominate Charles “Chuck” F. Sams III to lead the National Park Service (NPS). Sams is the first Native American nominated for the role.
He currently serves as a council member to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, as appointed by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D). Sams has experience in state and Tribal governments and nonprofits for natural resource and conservation management.
“The diverse experience that Chuck brings to the National Park Service will be an incredible asset as we work to conserve and protect our national parks to make them more accessible for everyone,” Deb Haaland, secretary of the Interior, said in a statement.
NPS has not had a Senate-confirmed director since 2017, when the position was held by Jonathan Jarvis, who was nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2009.
