The Student Conservation Association (SCA) applauds the nomination of Charles “Chuck” Sams III as director of the National Park Service. Mr. Sams’ extensive executive experience, decades of conservation leadership, and resolute commitment to diversity, make him uniquely qualified to take the agency’s helm. The people and resources of the National Park Service, without a Senate-confirmed director for more than four years, would immediately benefit from Mr. Sams’ command and management.
As a longtime administrator with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Mr. Sams demonstrated uncommon vision as well as the ability to bring divergent parties together to ensure they all advanced as one. As the first Native American to lead the Service, Mr. Sams would be a visible and effective champion for inclusivity. And we are also heartened by his exemplary record on youth programming.
Our parks, indeed our planet, are threatened by climate change and other urgent challenges. Mr. Sams is an inspired choice to lead the National Park Service and SCA urges his swift confirmation.
