Washington, D.C. – National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis today announced the selection of Rich Weideman as the agency’s assistant director for partnerships and civic engagement.

Weideman, who has been temporarily serving in the position since last year, will be responsible for the National Park Service’s partnerships, philanthropic stewardship, national trails, wild and scenic rivers, and hydropower assistance programs. He will also oversee the extensive Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program which supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the country.

“Since 1916, when the National Park Service was established, engaged citizens and partners have been instrumental in helping us achieve our mission of preserving and protecting America’s special places and providing opportunities for people to visit and enjoy these places,” said Jarvis.

“Rich, with 30 years of experience building partnerships, is the right person to continue the legacy of working with dedicated civic groups and partners as we move into our second century.”“I am honored to be selected for this position, especially with the recent launch of the National Park Service’s Call to Action plan,” said Weideman.

“We will use both existing and new partnerships to connect to more people and to create better access to parks, trails, waterways, and community green spaces that can provide fun and healthy outdoor experiences for everyone.”

Weideman has worked for the National Park Service since 1981. Before his current acting assignment, he was the chief of the national Partnership and Philanthropic Stewardship Office. He has also held a variety of management positions at Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Notable accomplishments at Golden Gate National Recreation Area include oversight of the teams that designed the Alcatraz Evening program and the Alcatraz Accessibility Tram.Weideman also helped develop the General Management Plan for the Presidio and the Restoration and Implementation Plan for Crissy Field.