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Silver Falls State Park

New Director of Virginia State Parks Announced

Jan 4, 2020

Gov. Ralph Northam announced Melissa Baker as Virginia State Parks Director, the first woman to hold the position in the park system’s 83-year history. Baker most recently served as Director of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, a cabinet level position. She will oversee 38 state parks and more than 270 full-time employees around the Commonwealth. Virginia’s state parks yield $24 million in tax revenue annually, provide 3,800 jobs, and attract 10 million visitors each year. “Director Baker is the right choice at the right time to lead Virginia’s renowned state parks,” said Governor Northam. “Her management experience and extensive knowledge of state parks will be an invaluable asset as we work to enhance Virginia’s parks, preserve and protect our precious natural resources, and expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the Commonwealth.”

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