SALEM, M.A.- Michael Quijano-West, a 32 year National Park Service veteran, has been selected as the new program coordinator for the Park Planning and Special Studies Division of the Northeast Regional Office. Since 2011, Quijano-West has served as superintendent of Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Sites. During his tenure, he led the State of the Parks planning effort for both parks, which served as a national model for using this planning effort at cultural heritage sites.
"It has been an honor to serve the visitors, neighbors, partners, volunteers and staff of both Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Sites," said Superintendent Quijano-West. I have grown very fond of both of these sites and will miss working alongside our dedicated staff and volunteers. Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works are beautiful, meaningful places that I'll always remember. I look forward to visiting both sites again in the future."
In his new position, Quijano-West will be responsible for leading the regional office team that undertakes park general management planning, foundation documents, and special resource studies. "Michael has significant field experience as a park manager -the primary client for our park planning efforts," said Northeast Regional Director Michael Caldwell. "He brings a well-rounded and practical perspective to this work group which I believe will leverage better products for the field."
"I am very excited to move into this position to help our region develop well grounded, relevant, and realistic planning documents to guide managers, develop the next generation of stewards and enhance partnerships in alignment with our Centennial celebration," noted Quijano-West. Prior to Salem and Saugus, Quijano-West served as the superintendent of Springfield Armory National Historic Site, chief ranger/chief of resource management at Petroglyph National Monument, chief ranger/chief of resource management at Chamizal National Memorial, and numerous park ranger posts.
Quijano-West's last day will be Saturday, January 17th. Zach Bolitho, Chief of Resource Management from Gettysburg National Military Park, will serve as the acting superintendent of Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Sites while the search for a new superintendent is underway. Bolitho begins his appointment on February 1st, 2015.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
