Press Releases

Today, members of the Western Caucus released the following statements after Margaret Everson was named Acting Director of the National Park Service.  

“I congratulate Margaret Everson on becoming the new head of the National Park Service. National Parks have been one of the engines driving our nations return to normalcy and are essential to the economies of Western states. I look forward to working with her to ensure that our national parks continue to thrive and show our country's natural beauty,” said Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Paul Gosar (AZ-04). 

"The National Park Service plays a very important role in maintaining and preserving some of our nation's most beautiful public lands. I look forward to working with Acting Director Everson to ensure all Americans can enjoy our National Parks," said Vice Chairman for Departments of Energy and Interior Dan Newhouse (WA-04). 

“Congratulations to Ms. Everson on her new role as Acting Director of NPS. Her impressive resume makes her an excellent candidate to lead this department, and I look forward to working with her in her new role," said Vice Chairman for Infrastructure and Forestry Bruce Westerman (AR-04). 

"Margaret Everson is an excellent choice for the position of Acting Director of the National Park Service. I applaud President Trump and Interior Secretary Bernhardt for this nomination. I believe Margaret's experience and education will help her serve in this critical role, preserving and protecting the ecological and historical integrity of the lands, parks, and monuments that we all know and love," said Vice Chairman for Defense and Veterans Affairs Doug Lamborn (CO-05). 

“I applaud Secretary Bernhardt for nominating Margaret Everson to serve as Acting Director of the Park Service,” said Simpson. “With the recent passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, this position will be key in implementation of the law and ensuring we make the most of the resources allocated to fix the maintenance backlog. Margaret has a very experienced and diverse background in public lands, which gives me great confidence she is qualified for this task. I also thank David Vela for his public service and wish him well in retirement," said Congressman Mike Simpson (ID-02). 

“Under the Great American Outdoors Act, the National Park Service will be responsible for a national effort of improvements. The Service needs leadership that already knows these issues and important projects. Margaret Everson has that experience and my support,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen (AS-AL).  

Background Courtesy of DOI

Everson officially took up the role of Acting Director today. Everson most recently served as Counselor to Secretary David Bernhardt supporting the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Everson will replace David Vela, deputy director for operations, exercising the delegated authority of the director of the National Park Service, who is retiring in September.

In addition to her role as Counselor to the Secretary, Margaret has served as Principle Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) since November 2018. Prior to rejoining the Service, she worked as Ducks Unlimited’ s Chief Policy Officer for 4 years. Everson received her Bachelor of Science in biology, with a concentration in marine biology, from St. Francis College and her J.D. from Vermont Law School (VLS).

Everson has served in a variety of roles that touch wildlife, conservation and natural resources matters. Prior to joining Ducks Unlimited, she worked as a consultant for state agencies, as well as an assistant attorney general of Kentucky and general counsel for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. From 2006 to 2008, Margaret was appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to serve as counselor to Dale Hall, then Director of the Service.