David Vela, Grand Teton's New Superintendent

Photo by Ryan Sheets

David Vela, former associate director for workforce, relevancy and inclusion at the National Park Service's Washington headquarters, is Grand Teton’s newly appointed superintendent and the 21st in park history. Vela succeeds Mary Gibson Scott, who retired in late 2013 after nearly ten years on the job.

A Texas native, Vela credits a childhood trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks with setting him on his career path. He began his NPS career in 1981 as a cooperative education student at San Antonio Missions National Historic Park in Texas, where he later became a ranger. He has held numerous positions in the NPS, including supervisory park ranger at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas, superintendent of Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site in Texas and Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Texas, and director of the NPS’s southeast region. Prior to accepting his role as Grand Teton’s superintendent, he oversaw NPS programs including human resources, learning and development, equal opportunity, youth, and the Office of Relevancy, Diversity and Inclusion.

Vela will oversee the park’s 310,000 acres, including 51 miles of wild and scenic rivers, management of Grand Teton's diverse wildlife, and assortment of cultural resources and historic artifacts. On behalf of the Foundation, we welcome you, David!