News & Events

NASPD 2024 Annual Conference Recap

Nov 25, 2024

America’s State Parks: Resilience, Collaboration, and Leadership Shine at NASPD Conference Amid Hurricane Season


GULF SHORES, Ala. (Oct. 29, 2024) – Last month, as Hurricane Francine churned in the Gulf of Mexico, state park leaders from across the nation gathered at Gulf State Park for the annual National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) conference. With the looming uncertainty of the storm, the conference forged ahead with contingency plans, reflecting the strength and resilience that define America’s state parks and the leaders who manage them.

Hosted at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, the world’s first SITES Platinum-certified hospitality project and the first Fortified™ Commercial Building, attendees were in one of the safest and most resilient locations imaginable during the storm. This intentional design, which prioritizes sustainability and storm readiness, served as the perfect metaphor for the conference, which included discussions about how parks must overcome challenges and thrive through adversity.

Collaboration Amid the Storms
The timing of the NASPD conference couldn’t have been more symbolic. Following Hurricane Francine, Hurricanes Helene and Milton further tested the resilience of park systems. Yet, state parks—well-versed in handling nature’s unpredictability—rose to the occasion by offering assistance, strategic insights, and moral support to colleagues across regions affected by the storms.

NASPD President and CEO Lewis Ledford, who announced his retirement during the event, emphasized this enduring spirit.

“The relationships built here transcend geography and titles. Our members understand that no system must face challenges alone. This is the state park way,” said Ledford.

Greg Lein, Director of Alabama State Parks, who is also set to retire echoed Ledford’s sentiment.

“We don’t just gather to talk about infrastructure and operations. We do life together, especially when things get hard,” said Lein.

Lein’s words encapsulated the camaraderie and mutual support within the NASPD network—reinforced during times of crisis. Whether offering logistical assistance, opening parks to evacuees, or simply providing encouragement, state park leaders demonstrated that collaboration is their most powerful tool.

As Lein passed the torch to newly appointed Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps, attendees celebrated the leadership transitions and reflected on the bright future ahead. Capps acknowledged the importance of unity in his remarks: “What we’ve seen during this hurricane season is what the state parks family stands for—resilience through connection. This tradition will carry us forward until we meet again next year.”


The next annual conference September 9-12 in will be at Canann Valley State Resort Park in Davis, West Virginia. More info: here. Additional accommodations will also be available at nearby Blackwater Falls State Park. NASPD accepted the invitation from Louisiana to host the 2026 Conference. A contract is already in place to meet in New Orleans.

Recognizing Excellence in Park Management
Several outstanding individuals and programs making a lasting impact on America’s state parks were honored during the conference in Gulf Shores:

  • Ney C. Landrum Park History Award: Rodney Dieser, Ph.D. (Iowa) – For the book “Cedar Rock by Frank Lloyd Wright,” an original exploration of how one of Wright’s homes became a state park.
  • President’s Award: RVIA Emerging Leaders Coalition – For volunteer efforts at Indiana’s Potato Creek and Chain O’Lakes state parks, where over 700 volunteers contributed 2,000+ hours of service.
  • Rockefeller-Udall Award: Shelby County, AL – Recognized for over $2.5 million in contributions to Oak Mountain State Park, improving infrastructure, conservation, and recreational spaces.
  • Innovation Awards:
    • Georgia State Parks – For the Outdoors Beyond Barriers program, promoting accessibility for all visitors.
    • Virginia State Parks Resource Management Team – For developing a GIS portal that streamlines data for efficient park management.
  • Survivor Awards (directors who have served 5 years in office): Ricky Gease, Alaska; Andy Cutko, Maine; Bob Broschied, Arizona; Robert Mergell, Nevada; Nick Neylon, Wyoming; Brandon Burris, Louisana.
  • Director of the Year Distinguished Service Award: Greg Lein – For 12 years of visionary leadership, including the founding of the Alabama State Parks Foundation and securing legislation to reinvest park revenues into the system.

Strengthening Bonds for the Future
With three hurricanes already marking the 2024 season, the NASPD conference reminded attendees that state parks aren’t just about enduring storms—they are about thriving together. Speakers reiterated that connections and strategies forged during the gathering will help America’s state parks recover from the immediate challenges and prepare for the future with greater strength and unity.

“These award recipients exemplify the innovation, commitment, and public service that keep America’s state parks thriving,” said Ledford. “Their efforts are a testament to the essential role state parks play in connecting people to nature and preserving our landscapes for future generations.”

Future NASPD As the NASPD leaders returned to their respective states, they carried forward a renewed commitment to collaboration, ensuring that America’s parks remain pillars of community and resilience for generations to come.

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About America’s State Parks
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 900 million people annually, state parks are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests with amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more at stateparks.org.