David Vela

David Vela is the former Deputy/Acting Director of the National Park Service. He was the first Latino nominated by the President of the United States to serve as agency Director. Prior to his arrival in Washington, DC, he was the former superintendent of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. He also served as the National Park Service's associate director for workforce, relevancy and inclusion; director of the National Park Service Southeast Region; and superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site, and Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.

He has held other positions at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park in Virginia, and Independence National Historical Park in Pennsylvania. "Hola Ranger" reflects his profound belief in faith, family, and country as well as desire to inspire the next generation of diverse conservation stewards, advocates, and workforce.

Communities: Hispanic or Latinx

Inspiring the Next Generation

How do national parks remain relevant to new generations and underserved communities? What can the NPS do to ensure national parks are inclusive, accessible and relevant? How do national parks impact our lives, and what steps can we take to inspire the next generation of diverse conservation stewards, advocates and workforce?

WNPA Stage (Seats 146)
Sun, Mar 5, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Nature / Environment / Outdoor Adventure
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - National Parks (following presentation)  

Panelist: David Vela
Moderator: Marie Buck

Book:

Hola Ranger, My Journey Through The National Parks

Nature / Environment / Outdoor Adventure
Raymond David Vela
December 2021
ISBN 9781737727002
236 pages

Hola Ranger chronicles the life story of a Latino growing up in the farmlands of Southeast Texas, his first visit to a national park, and the impact that it had on his life. In addition, the experiences and people that he met during his 38 years of public service. Packed with family images and entertaining anecdotes, the author also provides a fascinating insight into what it takes to work in and protect a national park while honoring all who have served their country in protecting our nation's most special places, and all of the stories that they contain. Hola Ranger reflects his profound belief in faith, family, and country as well as desire to inspire the next generation of diverse conservation stewards, advocates, and workforce. More/less