Director Alabama State Parks
What was your First job?
When I was growing up I had several jobs and most of them were maintenance positions. When I graduated from Auburn University, I applied to companies all over the United States and even some overseas, with no luck. I remember after presenting my thesis work, I was approached about a position in Mobile, Alabama to be the Climate and Resilience Engagement Specialist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC). There, I worked with communities along the Gulf Coast on how they could incorporate climate change and more resilient planning practices into their comprehensive planning documents.
What got you interested in this industry?
I would say that I had a very unconventional career path to get into the State Park industry. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and being outdoors. I have an undergrad degree in Ornamental Horticulture and went on to get my Master’s in Landscape Architecture with a focus in Community Planning all from Auburn University. (War Eagle!) At that time, I was thinking this would be a great career for me as I would be designing spaces for people to enjoy. After graduating, I was hit with my first dose of reality and the construction industry was coming into a major recession and I was unable to find a job in my field. Thus leading to my job as a Climate and Resilience Engagement Specialist. I was later hired to be the Executive Director of the Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board (DIPBB). At that time, the DIPBB was a quasi-governmental agency that oversaw public parks for both the community and tourists. This position opened my eyes to the Parks and Recreation industry and I couldn’t get enough of it. The DIPBB had a small campground, historic Fort Gaines, boat launches, public beaches, and a large bird sanctuary. This job provided me with a lot of great opportunities to build a strong foundation for my passion for our industry.
What are you most looking forward to this coming year?
I’m looking forward to seeing the growth of our team. We have had some of our senior leadership retire so we have a fairly new team in senior-level positions. I know they will do great and I’m looking forward to seeing them grow and develop. Chad Davis, Deputy Director and I continue to challenge our team and ourselves to find ways to improve the guest experience and we have some big plans that will significantly change the way we do business.
I’m also very excited to see us open the brand new lodge at Cheaha State Park this summer. The new lodge will highlight the Alabama timber industry by using cross-laminated timbers, which will allow us to showcase large mass timbers throughout the lodge. The wood has been sourced from Alabama and it will be proudly showcased at Alabama’s highest State Park.
What do you enjoy about your state?
Alabama is one of the most biodiverse states in the country. Being able to get out of the office and stay, play, and explore within our Parks always allows me to enjoy the best of Alabama. I also love the college football atmosphere within our state.
Highlight one or two state parks in your state and why we should visit.
My first instinct is to highlight 2 of our most iconic State Parks; however, I’ll go in a different direction and highlight 2 hidden gem State Parks in Alabama.
Monte Sano State Park
Perched high above Huntsville, Monte Sano offers cool mountain air, scenic overlooks, and miles of peaceful hiking and biking trails. It is the kind of place where you can step away from the city and instantly feel surrounded by nature. The park’s historic CCC cabins, built in the 1930s, give it a timeless charm, and on a clear evening, the view of the valley below is unforgettable. These cabins have all been fully renovated with all of the modern touches. Alabama is also celebrating the Year of Alabama Trails, and Monte Sano State Park has some of the best trail systems for hiking and biking. If that is not enough, you can explore the NASA’s U.S. Space and Rocket Center just down the road.
Meaher State Park
Located along the Mobile Bay causeway, Meaher is a small but incredible park that gives visitors a front-row seat to Alabama’s coastal wetlands. It is a perfect stop for birdwatching, fishing, or simply enjoying a sunset over the water. The park’s boardwalk trail winds through the marsh, offering a close look at the unique ecosystem that connects the Mobile-Tensaw Delta to the Gulf Coast. I personally enjoy launching a kayak or boat from Meaher State Park and exploring the Bartram Canoe Trail. Within the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, you can catch everything from a speckled trout and a largemouth bass on the same day.
Both of these parks show that adventure in Alabama is not only found in the biggest or most popular places. Sometimes, it is the smaller ones that leave the strongest impression.
If I was a visitor, what would be the top three things you would show me?
Most memorable moments in your career?
There are many memorable moments in my career, but a few stand out. One that I am especially proud of is the hard work, time, and collaboration that went into protecting 190 acres of critical bird habitat along the Gulf Coast at Dauphin Island. We were able to place a conservation easement on these properties, ensuring that these natural resources will be protected for generations to come.
Another moment I will always remember is being selected to serve as the Alabama State Parks Director while we hosted the National Association of State Park Directors Conference in 2024. It has been a tremendous honor to represent Alabama.
What is the most memorable/inspiring thing anyone has ever said to you?
Recently, my family (my wife and 2 daughters) and I were all baptized on the same day. It was a very special day for our family. Since that day, I have received a biblical and inspiring text message at 7AM from Andre Hollis, Director of the Mississippi State Park. Every day, I am thankful knowing I have a friend walking through this journey with me. These text messages renew me and center me for what is to come each day.
What are you most passionate about?
I’m passionate about trying to be the best dad I can be to my two daughters and the best husband I can be to my wife, who supports me through everything.
What are you reading?
Every day, I read a section of The Leader’s Devotional by David Green, CEO of Hobby Lobby. When I travel from park to park, I try to listen to various podcasts (Tailgate Talks) and audiobooks (Extreme Ownership, Dare to Lead, QBQ). I try to “read”/listen to a book each quarter.
Where is your next vacation?
My family and I always do an annual winter trip up to Joe Wheeler State Park with the extended family for a long weekend. We enjoy hiking and exploring the trails and building a campfire, and making smores.
Hobbies?
I wish I had more hobbies or had time to have more hobbies. I’m a family man, so I enjoy just being home with my family. I enjoy working in the yard or around the house. I also enjoy fishing, specifically inshore fishing for speckled trout and red fish.
Nickname?
Capps
The last thing that made me laugh out loud?
The last thing that made me laugh out loud was hearing my girls tell me stories about their day at school. They come home with the funniest details, and some of the things they share really crack me up.
A Poem, line of poetry, or quote that I return to.
“This too shall pass.” This quote can help get you through a rough patch or humble you when things are going great.
My favorite blockbuster and favorite movie.
Money Ball with Brad Pitt. I always seem to be able to sit down and watch this time after time.
A song, band or musician I love.
90’s country
Something delightful introduced to me by kid or a young person.
My daughters introduced me to collecting stickers for water bottles. It sounds simple, but now every park visit, I find myself looking at stickers. It’s a small thing that has turned into a big family tradition.
