ANCHORAGE -- Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton today announced the appointment of Marcia Blaszak as National Park Service regional director for Alaska. As regional director, Blaszak will be responsible for two-thirds of the acreage of the National Park System, consisting of 16 park units, two affiliated areas and 54.7 million acres. She will oversee the management of up to 1,000 employees during the peak summer employment period and an annual budget of $106 million. The appointment becomes effectively immediately.

“I am delighted that Marcia Blaszak has agreed to take on the challenges of this very important position,” Norton said. “Marcia has a passion for people and a true dedication to our national parks and special places. Her wealth of experience is a tremendous asset to the park leadership team and to the people of Alaska.”

Blaszak served as the acting regional director of Alaska since August 2003. Before that she served as deputy regional director in Alaska from February 2002 through August 2003. She came to Alaska in November 1994 as the associate regional director for administration and then served as the superintendent of the Alaska support office through February 2002. In that position, she oversaw a professional and technical staff of 135 in Anchorage and managed an annual operating budget of $8.8 million and project funds in excess of $20 million.

“I’m pleased to have Marcia at the helm of the Alaska Region,” said NPS Director Fran Mainella. “She has a keen awareness of the value of community, partnerships and the vital role they play in the National Park Service.”

“I look forward to the challenge of enhancing visitor opportunities and working with park neighbors to protect park resources in the national parks of Alaska,” Blaszak said. “Over the last 10 years, I have witnessed the dedication of park employees across the state. It is an honor to work among such talented individuals.”

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Prior to coming to Alaska, Blaszak was the administrative officer at Yellowstone National Park from July 1992 to November 1994, serving as a principal advisor to the superintendent and overseeing the park's annual operating budget of $20 million. During that time period, she also served on a Service-wide reorganization work group.

Blaszak also served as a senior advisor to the NPS Mid-Level Managers Program and as a mentor to first-time superintendents and managers, served with other deputy regional directors on the NPS Information Technology Investment Council, and advised the National Leadership Council.

Previous positions in her federal career include administrative positions at Shenandoah, Lassen Volcanic and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Blaszak received the Department of the Interior's Meritorious Service Award in 1998 and a Vice Presidential Reinvention Lab Hammer Award" in 1997.

She lives in Anchorage with her husband, Robert, and they have two adult sons.

 

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