New superintendent for local national parks

Lena Pace is the new superintendent of Arches and Canyonlands national parks. She begins her new assignment on April 7. She will also supervise the superintendent at Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments. 
The local parks preserve some of the most striking geologic landscapes and significant cultural sites on the Colorado Plateau.
“Lena has been acting in the superintendent role and is already building strong relationships with the staff and in the community,” said NPS Deputy Regional Director Brian Carlstrom. “She is an exceptional leader and is known for bringing creative solutions to complex challenges.”   
Pace said, “Since I first visited Moab and hiked to Delicate Arch earlier in my career, I have been inspired by the resources, history, and culture of the parks in southeastern Utah.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated staff, collaborate with our public and private partners, and engage with the local communities and Tribes.” 
Pace is a second-generation Park Service employee. Both parents worked for the NPS.
She spent most of her childhood near Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. She spent 21 years as a commissioned NPS law enforcement ranger.
She has worked at Glacier Bay, Lake Mead, Blue Ridge Parkway, Fire Island, and in the NPS Intermountain Regional Office. She served as NPS Washington Office deputy chief of operations before becoming the chief of the newly established Office of Public Trust.
Pace earned a master’s degree from Gonzaga University and a bachelor’s degree at Whitman College.
Pace succeeds Patty Trap who recently retired from the National Park Service.