BEACH LAKE, PA — National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Regional Director Gay Vietzke announced Lindsey Kurnath is the next superintendent of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

“Lindsey knows how to bring people together to share common interests,” said Vietzke. “She values the experience and expertise of park staff and community members, and inspires others to work towards common goals. Her experience and energy make her a great fit for the job.”

“I am thrilled to join the park team at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River,” said Kurnath. “I look forward to strengthening and growing the park’s relationship with the Upper Delaware Council along with neighbors and members of the community, so that we can work collaboratively and creatively to protect the unique natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources of the Upper Delaware River. The park team is exceptional, and I am excited to learn from the talented and dedicated employees as we begin our work together.”

Kurnath comes to Upper Delaware from Fire Island National Seashore, where she has served as deputy superintendent since 2020. There she strengthened relationships with park partners and stakeholders, and coached division chiefs to work as a cohesive, interdisciplinary team to address strategic issues and opportunities. She also served for four months as acting superintendent. She came to that job from Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state, where she served as chief of administration and business management, uniting a team of previously unconnected programs into one highly functional division. She began her NPS career in 2010 as a management analyst for its business management group in Washington, DC.

Kurnath holds both a master’s degree in environmental management and a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University in Durham, NC. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston College.

She is originally from western New York, and now anticipates spending time outside, enjoying the many recreational opportunities along the Delaware River, the Catskills and the Poconos. An avid hiker, cyclist and rock climber, she said she is looking forward to exploring the area with her dog.