The National Parks Service announced Jan. 5 the hiring of Frank Lands as the regional director for parks in the Pacific west covering Department of the Interior Regions 8, 9, 10, and 12.
"Frank comes to the National Park Service with a wealth of leadership experience guiding natural resources, cultural resources, and conservation programs with the U.S. Army, as well as infrastructure and emergency services and public safety programs having overseen operations at one of the most diverse garrisons in our nation's military," NPS Deputy Director Shawn Benge said in a news release. "His experience aligns with the NPS mission and will support the needs of one of our largest regions as the NPS continues to address the challenges of unprecedented wildfires, drought, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic."
Prior to being named regional director for parks in the Pacific west, Lands was the deputy garrison commander at Fort Bliss, Texas.
"It is an honor to support the mission of the National Park Service and the people who protect and preserve some of our nation's most significant places," Lands said. "I am excited to work with parks and programs to support the Great American Outdoors Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I look forward to our work together to reduce maintenance backlogs, improve infrastructure, and the opportunity to explore the more than 65 parks throughout the region."
Lands will be responsible for nearly 70 parks in 11 states and territories including locations in California, Hawaii, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Lands earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas, a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, and a Bachelor of Science in forestry and natural resources from Ohio State University.
