Meghan Kish Named Superintendent of NBWNHP

Philadelphia, PA – Meghan Kish has been selected as the next superintendent to lead New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and Roger Williams National Memorial. Kish replaces Jennifer Nersesian, who is now superintendent of Gateway National Recreation Area. Kish most recently served as chief of interpretation, education, and outreach at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (NRA) in California, and brings nine years of experience in the National Park Service (NPS).

“Meghan’s ability to establish and maintain effective teamwork, and inspire, motivate, guide, and challenge others towards goal accomplishment makes her an excellent choice for this important position,” said Regional Director Mike Caldwell.

While at Santa Monica Mountains NRA, Kish provided leadership and management for a complex interpretation, education, and outreach operation. She led the park through the design and construction of a new state-of-the-art Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) platinum visitor center, and established a new branch for community outreach and volunteerism to better engage underserved park audiences.

On accepting the new assignment, Kish said, “I am incredibly excited to work with the communities, partners and staff at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and Roger Williams National Memorial. I am honored to be given the opportunity to further the already successful community partnerships that share the parks’ rich histories and provide benefit to local communities.”

Kish has a wide range of experience in both private and public organizations. She has worked for the National Park Foundation, the Department of Interior’s National Invasive Species Council, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Panama.

Kish began her career with the NPS in 2005 as a business plan consultant at Fire Island National Seashore, and then worked in Washington DC for NPS’s Budget Office and as Chief of Resource Management and Visitor Services at Rock Creek Park. She has held seasonal positions at the Washington Monument, Shenandoah National Park and Glacier National Park. Kish holds a master of environmental management from Duke University, and a bachelor of science from Stanford University.

Kish begins her new assignment on June 29th, 2014. She will be joined by her husband and young son. For more information on New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park or Roger Williams National Memorial, please visit their websites at: nps.gov/nebe, and nps.gov/rowi.