Congratulations to the 160 state park professionals from 44 states who completed intensive coursework January 5–8, 2026 at the 19th State Park Leadership School (SPLS), held at the National Training Center at Oglebay Park in Wheeling, West Virginia. With this cohort, total participation in SPLS has reached 1,135 alumni, representing all 50 states and four Canadian provinces.
The 19th SPLS convened mid- and upper-level park leaders for an immersive week of leadership development, collaboration, and shared learning. This year also marked a significant milestone with participants attending from Hawaiʻi for the first time, further reinforcing the program’s truly national reach and growing impact.
The two-year certificate program equips emerging and advancing leaders with practical tools, strategic perspective, and a strong professional network to support the future of America’s state parks. SPLS continues to serve as the premier leadership development program for state park professionals across the country.
The success of SPLS is driven by an exceptional Board of Regents and faculty, many of whom are current or former state park directors, who generously volunteer their time and expertise. Their commitment to mentoring, experiential learning, and professional excellence is central to the program’s long-standing reputation and value.
SPLS continues to benefit from the partnership of the Oglebay National Training Center team, whose professionalism and hospitality provide an outstanding setting for this nationally recognized program.
The 20th State Park Leadership School is scheduled for January 4–7, 2027.
Founded in 2007, the State Park Leadership School was created to address a growing leadership gap as large numbers of experienced state park professionals from the baby boomer generation approached retirement. The program was designed to prepare assistant park managers, emerging supervisors, and professionals transitioning from other industries for park manager and senior leadership roles.
Ideal participants include new supervisors, mid-level managers assuming greater responsibility, and high-potential employees. SPLS focuses on developing the core competencies essential to effective state park leadership and management.
The program provides participants with the opportunity to network with peers from across the country and to learn directly from experienced park managers and directors who share real-world insights and lessons learned.
The two-year certificate program combines some distance education with on-site experiential learning. Each year begins with an online learning module that introduces the curriculum, followed by an intensive in-person session at Oglebay Resort and Conference Center. Each year participants must complete a capstone project to fulfill the program requirements.
Year One Topics Include:
Conscious Communication & Accountability
Customer Focus and Disruptive Innovations
External and Government Relations
Identity and Traditions of State Parks
Leadership and Decision Making
Leadership in the Public Sector
Leading Through Change
Modern Employee Expectations & Human Resources
Resource Management Planning
Team Formation & Interpersonal Dynamics
The Power of Interpretation
Year Two Topics Include:
Balancing Conservation and Recreation
Business and Capital Planning
Project Management, Maintenance, and Asset Management
Engage, Relate, and Adapt
Ethics for State Park Leaders
Leadership in Design
Public and Private Partnerships
Public Communication
Protecting Mental Health & Mental Health First Aid
Succession Planning
Leadership in Difficult Times
The Power of Data
Through direct engagement with seasoned park leaders, SPLS emphasizes the distinction between leadership and management, while addressing traditions, natural and cultural resource stewardship, budgeting, organizational change, and workforce development.
Since 2008, STIHL, Inc. has been an instrumental partner in the success of the State Park Leadership School. Through scholarship support that reduces financial barriers to participation—particularly for out-of-state travel—and through leadership engagement in classroom discussions, STIHL has played a vital role in strengthening the program and advancing effective communication and leadership skills among participants.
Learn More About STIHL Scholarships
Graduates of the 2025 America's State Parks Leadership School, January 9, 2025
Year I Participants, 2025 America's State Parks Leadership School
SPLS 2024/2025 Board of Regents and Staff, left to right: Lewis Ledford, NC; Susan Buxton,ID; Paul McCormack, SC; Erica Rivers, MN; Ron Olson, MI; Rodney Franklin, TX; Dan Bortner, IN; Roger Phelps, VA (STHIL); Lisa Supmtion, OR; Brent Leisure, CO; Melissa Baker, VA; Sherry Dimucio, WV (Oglebay NTC); Raymond Bivens, DE; Dan Bortner, IN; Matt Whitlow, NE; Grady Spann, AR. not pictured: Glen Cobb, OH; Roger Phelps, VA.
