Independence National Historical Park welcomes Amnesty Kochanowski as the park’s new deputy superintendent. Kochanowski comes to Independence from Devils Tower National Monument where she served as superintendent since 2018.
“I am pleased to announce and welcome Amnesty as the park’s new deputy superintendent. She brings a myriad of experience, including completion of the Facility Manager Leaders Program and the National Park Service’s GOAL Leadership program, hands on work in maintenance operations, as a safety, health, and wellness manager, and experience working at seven parks. People who have worked with her laud her abilities and accomplishments,” said park Superintendent Cynthia MacLeod.
Kochanowski will assist Superintendent MacLeod in managing all park activities while serving as direct supervisor to park department leads, strengthening the park's partnerships and community outreach, supporting park initiatives, and enacting park policies and programs.
"I am honored to join the dedicated staff stewarding Independence National Historical Park, Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site, and the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial. I look forward to continued collaboration with our partners and communities. This is an especially meaningful time to be in Philadelphia as we move towards our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.”
Under her leadership, Devils Tower National Monument set new high marks for attendance, drawing record visitation in 2021. The monument completed a $6 million accessibility improvement project, enhanced relationships with 26 affiliated Native American tribes, began a park housing replacement project, reacted to the state of Wyoming’s first case of White-nose syndrome, and piloted innovative visitor use management strategies to address congestion.
Before moving to Devils Tower, Kochanowski was the Safety, Health, and Wellness Manager for Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Pipe Spring National Monument, and Zion National Park (2011-2018). She previously served in a similar position at Rocky Mountain National Park (2009-2011).
Kochanowski started her career with the National Park Service in 2001 as a Student Conservation Association trail crew intern at Rocky Mountain National Park and subsequently worked on NPS trail crews for 10 seasons. A native of Wisconsin, Kochanowski graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and a master’s degree in risk management.
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