Columbia, S.C. – The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD), the leadership organization behind America’s State Parks, is proud to announce the appointment of Paul McCormack as its new President and CEO. McCormack brings nearly 30 years of experience working in South Carolina State Parks, serving as director since 2018. Before this appointment, he also served as the NASPD Board Chair.
Lewis Ledford, who has served as NASPD President and CEO since 2013, announced his retirement at the organization’s annual conference earlier this fall. Former Board Chair and Director of Oregon State Parks, Lisa Sumption, led the recruitment process for his replacement. With the support of Lewis, McCormack will transition into the role in the coming months. Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks and current Vice Chair of NASPD, will move into the vacant Board Chair position.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as NASPD’s President and CEO. Over the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated and visionary leaders in the parks community. Paul’s passion for public service and commitment to improving access to the outdoors make him the ideal choice to lead NASPD into the future. I have every confidence in his ability to advance the mission of America’s State Parks, and I look forward to seeing the incredible work that will be accomplished under his leadership.” – Lewis Ledford
NASPD is made up of state park directors from all 50 states working to help state parks effectively manage their state park systems. The organization also includes multiple associate and affiliate members from federal and nonprofit entities, including the National Park Service, Canadian Parks Council, and Girl Scouts of the USA. With more than 9,800 park areas encompassing more than 20 million acres, America’s State Parks see nearly 900 million visitors every year. State Parks across the country positively contribute to the nation’s environment, heritage, health, and economy.
McCormack’s distinguished career began in 1995 as an entry-level ranger at a state park in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. He rose through the ranks, serving in parks around the Palmetto State while raising his three sons – Connor, Jordan, and Tyler – with his wife, Shannon. McCormack has a bachelor’s degree in education from the Citadel and a master’s degree in parks and recreation management from Slippery Rock University. His people-first leadership style put renewed focus on improving park culture for team members and increasing access for visitors. These efforts have included increasing wages, encouraging work-life balance, overseeing new land acquisitions, and launching programs to reach individuals who haven’t traditionally used or had access to public outdoor spaces.
“The relationships and support provided by the NASPD have been invaluable to me in my career. I’m humbled and honored to be able to help foster and facilitate that growth and collaboration for others in my new role. Serving South Carolina State Parks for 30 years has been the greatest adventure I could ever imagine and I’ve spent my career doing something I love. The people I’ve met, places I’ve been, and special events I’ve had the privilege to be a part of through the South Carolina Park Service have shaped who I am today. I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that will come with my new role, and I’m honored to stand beside Park Rangers from coast to coast as we work together to advance America’s State Parks.” – Paul McCormack
As President and CEO of NASPD, Ledford expanded partnerships, professional development opportunities, and programming, strengthening the collaboration among state park directors and staff nationwide. Ledford was selected to serve as NASPD President and CEO after 37 years of service to North Carolina State Parks. He began his career as a ranger in 1976 and became the first individual to rise through the ranks to the director’s office. He served as Parks Director for more than a decade, guiding the state through park expansions, technological advancements, and record visitation. Ledford was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest recognition for service.
About America’s State Parks
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 900 million people annually, state parks are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more at stateparks.org.
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