The National Park Service has selected Lena Pace as superintendent of Arches and Canyonlands national parks according to a Feb. 26 press release.

Pace’s first day is April 7 for her new position, which also supervises the superintendent at Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments.

She succeeds Patty Trap, who retired from the National Park Service last June.

“Lena has been acting in the superintendent role and is already building strong relationships with the staff and in the community,” said NPS Deputy Regional Director Brian Carlstrom. “Lena is an exceptional leader and is known for bringing creative solutions to complex challenges. We are excited to have her officially fill the position full time and continue the good work she has already started.”

“I am honored to be selected to lead this iconic group of parks and am so grateful for the diverse career I’ve had across the National Park Service that has led me to this point,” said Pace. “Since I first visited Moab and hiked to Delicate Arch earlier in my career, I have been inspired by the resources, history and culture of the parks in southeastern Utah.”

Most recently the chief of the NPS Office of Public Trust, Pace also served as the NPS Washington, D.C., Office deputy chief of operations. She has worked at Glacier Bay, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Blue Ridge Parkway, Fire Island National Seashore and in the NPS Intermountain Regional Office.

Previously, Pace spent 21 years as a commissioned NPS law enforcement ranger. She earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University and a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and politics at Whitman College.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated staff who care for these special places, collaborate with our public and private partners and engage with the local communities and tribes,” Pace said.

This story was first published by The Times-Independent.