Charles F. Sams III

Charles F. Sams III is an American conservationist and public administrator who serves as the 19th director of the National Park Service. Appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate in 2021, he is the first enrolled tribal member to lead the agency. His career spans over 25 years in natural resource management and environmental policy, with significant roles in tribal governance, state government, and the non-profit sector.

Early life and education

Charles F. Sams III was born in 1964 in Pendleton, Oregon, and is an enrolled citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. He grew up on the reservation, where his early experiences fostered a deep connection to the land and its stewardship. Sams pursued his undergraduate education at Oregon State University, earning a degree in Political Science. He later obtained a Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law from the Northwest Indian College and a Master of Public Administration from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon.

Career

Before his appointment to the National Park Service, Sams built a diverse career in natural resources and tribal affairs. He served as the executive director for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, overseeing departments including wildlife, forestry, and water resources. Sams also worked for the Indian Health Service and held the position of director for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. In the non-profit sector, he was the national director of the Tribes and Lands Program for the Trust for Public Land and served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Oregon Heritage Commission. His state service included a term on the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Commission.

Director of the National Park Service

Nominated by President Joe Biden in August 2021, Sams was confirmed by the United States Senate in November of that year and sworn in as director in December. His confirmation received bipartisan support, highlighting his reputation as a consensus builder. As director, he oversees the management of more than 400 units of the National Park System, including national parks, national monuments, and national historic sites. Key priorities of his tenure include addressing the impacts of climate change, bolstering workforce diversity, enhancing partnerships with Native American tribes, and tackling a multi-billion-dollar maintenance backlog. He has also emphasized expanding access and relevancy for all visitors, particularly youth and underrepresented communities.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Sams has received numerous recognitions for his leadership in conservation and tribal advocacy. He is a recipient of the Department of the Interior's Cooperative Conservation Award. His work with the Trust for Public Land earned organizational accolades for expanding public access to natural spaces. Sams has also been honored by various tribal organizations and conservation groups for his commitment to collaborative resource management and cultural preservation.

Personal life

Charles F. Sams III is married to Raina Sams, and the couple has two children. He maintains strong ties to his community on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. An avid outdoorsman, his personal interests include fishing, hunting, and hiking, activities that reflect his lifelong dedication to environmental stewardship.

Category:1964 births Category:Living people Category:Directors of the National Park Service Category:American conservationists Category:Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Category:Oregon State University alumni Category:People from Pendleton, Oregon