Theresa Pierno has been promoted to president and chief executive officer of the National Parks Conservation Association./NPCA

Theresa Pierno, whose history with the National Parks Conservation Association dates to 2004 when she was hired to oversee regional operations, has been chosen to lead the organization as president and chief executive officer.

Ms. Pierno, the first woman to serve in that role in NPCA's history, took over immediately on Thursday for Clark Bunting, who expectedly resigned last month due to family matters. 

“Theresa has an impressive record of accomplishments working for conservation organizations, including National Parks Conservation Association,” said Fran Ulmer, chair of NPCA’s Board of Trustees, in a press release. “Her passionate commitment to our national parks will enhance NPCA’s efforts to celebrate the National Park Service’s Centennial in 2016 and NPCA’s own centennial in 2019. Theresa’s leadership is exactly what we need at this important time in our history. Her leadership will help to ensure that the parks are preserved well into their second century, as we work to grow millions of advocates to support them.”

Ms. joined NPCA in 2004 as Vice President of Regional Operations.  In that role, she successfully doubled the organization’s field program to include more than 60 staff working in 24 offices across the country.  The move further enhanced NPCA’s connection to national parks and their gateway communities and helped to solidify the organization’s role as the voice of America’s national parks.

 In her most recent role as NPCA’s Chief Operating Officer, she played a critical role in the recruitment of talented, diverse, and experienced staff, led the development of strategic priorities with a focus on water and land use policy, and helped to ensure the financial health of NPCA through revised management practices and successful fundraising efforts.  Further, in an effort to engage and inspire new park stewards and advocates, she formed NPCA’s Next Generation Advisory Council—a group of young rangers, civil servants, public land advocates, educators, students and activists with a strong desire to lead national park advocacy efforts well into the future.

Ms. Pierno is also the co-founder and co-chair of America’s Great Waters Coalition, a group of 70 member organizations working together to protect and restore waters in and around our national parks that are central to the health of the ecosystem and the recreation of their visitors.

“I am truly honored to be part of a long tradition of committed national park leaders who have served as the President of NPCA,” said Ms. Pierno.  “I’ve spent my career in conservation, advocating for some of our nation’s most important natural resources and for the national parks that serve a critical role in protecting them.  There are many challenges that lie ahead, but also many opportunities.  I look forward to taking them on and ensuring our national parks thrive well into their second century.”