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.
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.
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.