National Park Service (NPS) Midwest Regional Director Cam Sholly announced the selection of Michelle Wheatley as superintendent of Jewel Cave National Monument, South Dakota. An18-year veteran of the NPS, Wheatley is currently superintendent of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. She assumes her new role on July 8, 2018.
“Michelle has an extensive background in managing geologic andhistoric resources,” said Sholly. “She has proven herself to be an accomplished leader intently focused on helping the American people find deeper meaning and connections with their national parks. Michelleis sure to add tremendous value as superintendent of Jewel Cave.”
“It is truly an honor to be selected as the superintendent of Jewel Cave National Monument,”Wheatley said about her new assignment. “I look forward to joining staff, volunteers, partners, and local communities in working together to protect the incredible resources Jewel Cave has to offer.”
For the past five years, Wheatley has served as superintendent of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Colorado. Under herleadership, the park developed an asset management program and addressed many complex deferred maintenance projects. She focused on strengthening the park’s public outreach and relationships with the community.
Wheatley served as acting superintendent at Colorado National Monument and as acting superintendent at Grant Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site prior to becoming superintendent at Florissant Fossil Beds. She has also worked in Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Parks in a variety of visitor services positions.
Wheatley is a graduate of Colorado State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation and business administration. She later received a Graduate Certificate in natural resources and environments from Colorado State University, Division of Continuing Education.
An avid hiker and skier, Wheatley is looking forward to exploring and learning more about the natural resources in the park and the Black Hills area along with her husband, Hal, and their two Australian Shepherds, Millie and Bobby.
