Patrick Reed

Patrick H. Reed, superintendent of Mammoth Cave National Park, a 42-year career veteran of the National Park Service, will retire on June 30, 2012. Reed’s management style includes the phrase, “let’s help each other succeed,” used as a suggestion to park partners and a firm instruction to park staff. Reed is well known for his strong communication skills and sincere interest in community engagement. During his time at Mammoth Cave, Reed built strong and open partnerships with neighbors, universities, park support groups, cave enthusiasts, and elected officials. Through partnerships, Reed and his staff greatly multiplied the effectiveness and reach of the park’s budget and message: • With Western Kentucky University, the Mammoth Cave International Center to Science and Learning grew as a joint project in collaborative karst research and learning. • With the Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park, Reed worked with park advocates to create a nonprofit organization to raise private funds for needed projects, and support education, resource protection and management goals. • With Western Kentucky University, sister parks were established in China and Slovenia, giving Mammoth Cave an international reach and exchanging science-based management concepts with other world-renowned karst centers. • With the Barren River Area Development District, tourism agencies and chambers of commerce, Reed furthered the NPS mission by promoting sustainable use of parklands and environmentally-friendly economic development. • With trail user groups, Reed spearheaded the Comprehensive Trail Management Plan, making the backcountry accessible to hikers, mountain bikers, and horse users. • With the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition, the park gained a partner in the Department of Energy-Clean Cities, which funded new alternative fuel vehicles for the park. Several large projects came to fruition under Reed’s tenure at Mammoth Cave, including replacement of the six-mile cave lighting system, installation of the park water system, construction of the Mammoth Cave RR Bike&Hike Trail, and planning for rehabilitation of the Green River Ferry. And, construction of the rehabilitated visitor center is near completion. Considered a legacy project, the new visitor center, funded through Recreation Fees and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will serve Mammoth Cave visitors for the next 40 years. Reed was recognized in 2009 as the National Park Service Superintendent of the Year for Natural Resource Stewardship, and in 2006 as the Southeast Region Superintendent of the Year. Reed began his career at Mt. Rushmore National Monument (S.D.) as a seasonal maintenance worker in 1969 while still a college student. After becoming a permanent employee in 1970 he was consistently promoted to positions of increasing complexity and responsibility: • Intake Trainee, Grand Teton National Park, Wyo. (1970 – 1971) • Urban Intake Trainee, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Mo. (1972) • Office Services Ranger, Death Valley National Park, Calif. (1973) • Sub-District Ranger, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Calif. (1974) • Management Assistant, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Mo. (1975 – 1978) • District Ranger, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, N.C. (1978 – 1983) • District Ranger, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colo. (1983 – 1986) • Chief Ranger, Natchez Trace Parkway, Miss./Ala./Tenn. (1986 – 1991) • Superintendent, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Tenn./Ga. (1991 – 2005). Reed transferred to Mammoth Cave in January 2006, from Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (Tenn. /Ga.), where he served as superintendent for 14 years. Reed is a native of Iowa and a 1971 graduate of Iowa State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Resource Development for Outdoor Recreation, and a 1967 graduate of North Mahaska High School in New Sharon, Iowa. Mammoth Cave is the eleventh park for Reed and Darit, his wife of 37 years. They have two married daughters, Shannon McDonald in Georgia, DJ Keally in Colorado, and three grandsons ages three to thirteen. The Reeds plan to move to the front range of Colorado and spend quality time with their grandkids, travel and volunteer.