Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: June 4, 2001

Contact: Mark Pfeifle 202-208-6416

Secretary Norton Pleased with Selection of Fran P. Mainella
as Director of the National Park Service

Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton today praised President Bush's intention to nominate Fran P. Mainella, a Florida state park and recreation veteran, to serve as the Director of the National Park Service. President Bush made the announcement today during a visit to Everglades National Park. The Director of the National Park Service position is subject to Senate confirmation once the formal nomination goes forward.

"I enthusiastically support the President's selection of Fran Mainella," Norton said. "Her background and experience in parks and recreation will be invaluable in carrying out the President's commitment to restoration of our national parks. She will be a tremendous asset to the Department and the Administration."

Mainella recently received the National Sporting Goods Association prestigious "State Parks Gold Medal," for recognition as America's Best State Park System in all 50 states. She has over 30 years of experience in the park and recreation field. Since 1989, she has been Director of the Division of Recreation and Parks for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, where she is responsible for the administration 153 state parks, 500,000 acres and over 1,000 park employees. Before that she served as Executive Director of the Florida Recreation and Park Association (1983-1989). Prior to that she served as Director of Recreation, Lake Park, Florida (1978-1983), and Assistant Center Director, Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Department (1977-1978).

Mainella served as the immediate past-president of the National Association of State Park Directors, past-president of the National Recreation and Park Association, and Secretary of Florida A & M University's Landscape Design Management Program Advisory Council. She serves as the Outdoor Recreational State Liaison Officer for the State of Florida, administering Land and Water Conservation Fund grants.

Mainella is an active member of the Florida Tourism Commission, and the statewide Eco-Tourism/Heritage Tourism Committee, the National Recreation and Park Association, National Association of State Park Directors, Florida Recreation and Park Association, National Association of Park Resources, National Association of State Recreation Liaison Officers, Tallahassee Society of Association Executives, and Zonta International.

Mainella is a native of Willimantic, Connecticut. She holds a master's degree from Central Connecticut State College and a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut.

- DOI -