Annapolis, MD - National Park Service Northeast Regional Director Dennis R. Reidenbach has selected Charles E. "Chuck" Hunt as the superintendent of the Chesapeake Bay Office.
"We believe that Chuck is the right person, at the right time, to lead the Chesapeake Bay Office," said Reidenbach. "His primary leadership strength is a thoughtful and collaborative approach to consensus building. He also has extensive policy experience and connections to multiple agencies, while also clearly understanding the National Park Service's strength as a convener and story teller. He has tremendous skill at building alliances and creating shared vision among geographically dispersed partners and stakeholders."
As the largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay has touched and influenced much of the American story: early settlement, commerce, the military, transportation, recreation and more. The Bay and its surrounding 64,000-square-mile watershed hold a treasure trove of historic areas, natural wonders, and recreational opportunities. "The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure, and I am both excited and honored to have the opportunity to be part of the many efforts to protect and restore the Bay watershed," said Hunt. "I look forward to celebrating its history and providing more opportunities for the public to enjoy and connect with the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers."
Hunt comes to the National Park Service from his position as the regional director in Western Europe for the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). In that role, he managed 23 geographically dispersed sites in France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Belgium. Hunt directed all aspects of management including diplomatic affairs, intergovernmental relations, partnerships, budget formulation and execution, personnel management, resource management, interpretation, and special initiatives.
Prior to becoming regional director, Hunt managed the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France, also part of the ABMC, where he oversaw the most heavily visited American diplomatic venue in the world. Hunt's previous National Park Service experience includes assignments as superintendent of Fort Davis National Historical Park from 2006 to 2009. Prior to that, he served as the management assistant at Big Thicket National Preserve for 9 years. Additionally, Hunt has served as a special assistant within the Department of the Interior where he engaged in high-level policy and political issues and providing essential support to the Clean Water Action Plan.
Hunt has held senior positions with the Bureau of Land Management and Senator Jeff Bingaman's staff specifically working on energy and environmental issues. Hunt was previously a Presidential management intern serving the Bureau of Land Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy from Lamar University and a Masters in Public Administration and Natural Resources from Texas A & M University. He and his family will be relocating back to the Annapolis area from Paris this fall.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
