Former National Park Service Director Mary Bomar died Aug. 28 following a fight with cancer.
Bomar was sworn in as the 17th director of the NPS Oct. 17, 2006, according to her NPS biography. She left that position Jan. 20, 2009.
“There are special places that unite us all as Americans and national parks are those places,” Bomar said, according to the Sept. 6 news release announcing her death. “From iconic parks like Yellowstone and Gettysburg to places like the African Burial Ground and Rosie the Riveter, our national parks truly reflect the soul of America.”
Grand Canyon National Park is under the purview of the National Park Service.
| Grand Canyon National Park/Facebook
Bomer was the first naturalized U.S. citizen to lead the NPS, according to the news release. She was born in Leicestershire, England. In 1977, she became a U.S. citizen and joined the NPS in financial administration at Amistad National Recreation Areas in Texas in 1990.
"As a naturalized U.S. citizen, Mary often referred to herself as 'an American by choice.' This unique perspective gave her the ability to see the national parks for what they truly are, America's most precious gifts," National Park Director Chuck Sams said in the news release. "As we honor Mary's life and legacy, we look to her dedication as an example to be emulated by all who follow in her footsteps."
She later served as the initial superintendent of the Oklahoma City National Memorial, superintendent of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia and the northeast regional director managing 100 parks including Acadia, Gettysburg, Shenandoah and the Statue of Liberty in 13 northeastern states before her confirmation as director, according to the release.
