On rare occasions we are fortunate to cross paths with people on our journey that leave a lasting impression and a legacy of extraordinary impact in their wake. Lewis Ledford is such a person. The recent news of Lewis’s retirement from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of State Park Directors sent a ripple throughout the parks and conservation community. For many, it has fittingly caused us to reflect on the impact he has had on our lives and his consequential work in public service.
Lewis’s entry into a career in public service began like so many others, but it’s what he has done between that early beginning as a North Carolina Park Ranger in 1976, and today, that sets him apart as one of the most influential leaders this profession has seen. The proud Mountaineer from Appalachian State University was eager to join the ranks of North Carolina State Parks. No one could have possibly known what lay ahead for a burgeoning Park Ranger at WB Umstead State Park, let alone Lewis, but his story is a wonderful example of what possibilities exist when you live your life with character, decency and kindness at its core, and you devote yourself to a mission you believe in and are absolutely passionate about.
Lewis’s unique ability to lead teams, build partnerships and rally folks for a common purpose were recognized early on as he climbed the ranks in North Carolina State Parks - a journey that eventually found him as Director for the entire state park system. The mountain boy “done good” and was the first to take this homegrown path to the directorship.
It’s in this role as Director that Lewis began to stack up accomplishments like cord wood. Working closely with the North Carolina General Assembly, he was instrumental in establishing five new state parks, a state trail, and six state natural areas during his tenure. The perpetual preservation and access to Gorges, Grandfather Mountain, Chimney Rock, Haw River, Carvers Creek, and Mayo River state parks will forever be appreciated by the people of North Carolina and stand as an important part of the rich legacy Lewis was building. During his time as director (November 2003-January 2014), North Carolina added no less than 50,000 acres under conservation and stewardship, an approximate 20% increase to the state parks system. His close work with the state legislature and others to support parks resulted in $437 million being invested in state and local parks for acquisitions and capital construction. He secured over $23 million in private donations in the last five years he served as state parks director. When considering the history of public lands in North Carolina, Lewis Ledford’s tremendous record of achievements is simply undeniable. The building of a rich and diverse repository of public lands for the people of North Carolina not only better preserves the natural environment and history of the state, but it has also resulted in the infusion of literally hundreds of millions of dollars into the North Carolina economy.
Lewis’s energy was not singularly devoted to building a system of state and local parks, but he has always been equally committed to the employees he values so deeply. It was under Lewis’s direction that the organization expanded its capacity to educate and equip others to join them in the important work of stewardship. Lewis knew that by effectively sharing their knowledge and understanding of the state’s history and its natural resources, a new generation of stewards would form and offer even broader support and advocacy for parks. During his tenure, more than 95% of the park ranger staff received environmental education training and North Carolina State Parks was nationally recognized for this ongoing education and certification commitment. Continually and progressively investing in the professional development of his team and appropriately compensating that professionalism has been among the highest priorities in his work.
Ledford’s uncanny ability to connect with people and inspire them to join him in his passion has always been the catalyst that resulted in model partnerships. Perhaps as good an example as any, it was with the support of trail enthusiasts and others that Lewis worked to invigorate interest in and support North Carolina’s Mountains-To-Sea Trail. This trail links Clingman's Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey's Ridge State Park. Lewis, who described the trail as the "1,000 Mile Partnership," persuaded the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Authority to allocate funds each year to the Mountains-to-Sea project for land acquisition.
Lewis’s reputation as an exemplary leader was hardly limited to his home ground in North Carolina. His active involvement and leadership in organizations such as the National Recreation and Parks Association, National Association of State Park Directors, and others elevated him to national recognition and prominence among a broad network of park professionals. According to Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks and current Professor of Practice, Clemson University…. “Lewis's accomplishments and achievements are well documented and his impact on America's State Parks, profound and impressive. That being said, when I think of Lewis, my dear friend for over 35 years, I think beyond any of these achievements and think of his character. The central characteristic that has been the basis of his accomplishments. This and his ability to connect with people is a part of his legacy. I know many will miss that familiar phrase that Lewis uses with sincerity…"Hello friend" just before he pitches an idea or seeks your counsel.”
Lewis Ledford retired from service as Director of North Carolina State Parks in 2014 with an extraordinary list of accomplishments not all of which are listed in this writing. It took little time for Lewis to be recruited and named as Executive Director for the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD), a title later changed to President and CEO. In predictable Ledford fashion, Lewis quickly strengthened the bond and unity among state park directors from across the country and rallied the organization to elevate and fortify the brand of “Americas State Parks”. State Parks across America are experiencing tremendous growth in popularity and use as Americans and our international guests discover the endless outdoor opportunities that await them in our state public lands. Much of this success can be attributed to the partnerships, coordinated efforts and joint promotion of “Americas State Parks” which Lewis so capably advanced. Lewis has very artfully harnessed the creativity and dedication of park professionals to capitalize on this renewed interest in the outdoors. And to make things even better for the professionals that work in this field, Lewis took on the role as Director of the State Park Leadership School in 2015 and has skillfully and steadily built upon the school’s tremendous record of success, making it one of the shining jewels of achievements for NASPD. We are fortunate that he has agreed to continue in this vital role.
Continually dedicated to advancing parks across America, Lewis was a powerful and effective voice on Capitol Hill as he advocated for the reauthorization of historic federal investment in parks at the local, state, and national levels. His congressional testimonies resonated with credibility and assurance that these funds serve the nation’s interest and are highly leveraged for maximum benefit to the people.
“Lewis is a special human” according to Lisa Sumption, Director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “You must experience him to truly understand how genuine, kind, caring and incredible he is. I watch and listen to so many State Park Directors greet each other with “hello my friend” or depart with “thank you my friend”, which just demonstrates the leadership he shared and his ability to create a culture amongst state park directors that has made NASPD one of the strongest national organizations in the world. He is SO humble and treats every issue you have going on as if it is the most challenging thing on the planet and offers support, when you know darn well, in his career, he has faced the same thing multiple times, but he humbly listens, offers empathy, and whatever he can do to encourage you. His ability to represent all of America’s State Parks regardless of political interests is commendable.”
So often it seems that effective leaders are driven more by passion for mission and service to others than anything else. It is Lewis Ledford’s care for others and the goodness in his heart that motivates this exceedingly busy man to find even more ways to contribute to society and helping others. Whether establishing record setting blood drives for the American Red Cross or managing the charitable assets for the Freemason Grand Lodge in North Carolina for the benefit of those in need, or serving as Treasurer of the Masonic Foundation, or his service on the board of North Carolina State University- College of Natural Resources Foundation, or his service as Deacon at Ardmore Baptist Church, he simply does not rest.
It should come as no surprise that leaders as effective as Lewis Ledford are held in the highest regard and rightfully honored in many ways. A few of his notable honors include the 2011 Outstanding Alumni Award- Appalachian State University, NASPD 2013 State Park Director of the Year, and 2017 recipient of the prestigious Pugsley Award. And today, it is often rare to remain in such a high-ranking position of leadership when administrations change, yet Lewis served as director under three different North Carolina Governors and received awards from each of them in volunteerism, leadership in government, and the state’s highest honor—the Long Leaf Pine Award. North Carolina State University provided Lewis with their highest recognition for a non-alum and with their lifetime achievement award, and he was also featured for his leadership in Governing Magazine.
We often and appropriately celebrate the vision, fortitude, and passionate work of past public lands heroes- the likes of Roosevelt, Muir and Mather as they laid the foundation for America’s best idea. Lewis Ledford has humbly and demonstrably reminded us that history continues to be made every day by special people who are committed to making a difference in their own season and in their way. Lewis Ledford has most certainly contributed to building upon this foundation and faithfully stewarded this unique American inheritance during his time of leadership. He exemplifies everything that is good about humble, and visionary servant leadership. Always self-effacing and subtly imparting wisdom to others…. perhaps its best and appropriate to end with a quote from Lewis himself when he recently said… “The bottom line is this, it’s not the individuals with the most credentials who leave a lasting impact—it’s those who care.”
We could not agree more. Mr. Ledford, you have shown us the way and you have our deepest respect and appreciation… Thank you, my friend.
