PAGE, Ariz. – Michelle Kerns is no longer considered “acting” superintendent but has been officially named full superintendent of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
NPS Acting Regional Director Kate Hammond has announced that Kerns will transition from the interim position she took over in August to full superintendent in December, according to a news release from the park service.
She will be responsible for managing the daily operations and staff of the recreation area, which encompasses over 1.25 million acres and various water-based and backcountry recreation opportunities.
“Michelle brings substantial experience leading operations at several large national parks,” said Hammond in a news release. “In her past five years as part of the leadership team at Glen Canyon, she has worked to build the park team and support the community, business and tribal partners. We are excited to have her in the superintendent position.”
Added Kerns: “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead this park during such an interesting and challenging time. It’s a privilege to be part of the exceptional team at Glen Canyon as we work to find new solutions in adapting our park to the challenges of lower water levels.”
Kerns has been with the National Park Service for over 25 years including serving as the deputy superintendent for operations at Glen Canyon since 2017, the news release said. She previously worked at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
Kerns and her husband live in Page, Arizona. Their two adult sons are military veterans and reside on the East Coast. Kerns succeeds Billy Shott who served as superintendent for seven years and recently accepted a position as a deputy regional director for NPS Pacific West Region.