Who is Fran P. Mainella?

 

Fran P. Mainella was the first woman Director of the United States National Park Service and served from 2001-2006. She was a Presidential Appointment by George W. Bush, which required confirmation of the Senate. She is a Visiting Scholar at Clemson University in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management and Co-Chair of the US Play Coalition. Prior to her time as Director and at Clemson, she served as Florida State Park Director from 1989-2001, serving three governors. She also currently serves as Treasurer for the Children and Nature Network Board of Directors. She is also a board member for the National Park Trust and an international speaker on the Value of Play and Reconnecting with the Outdoors.