GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — There’s a new superintendent of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in Fayette County.
Charles Sellars has been selected for the job. He will also manage both the Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River in southern West Virginia.
“I am honored to have been selected for the superintendent position at New River Gorge,” Sellars said in a statement. “Being born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains gives me a great appreciation for the culture that is very much part of southern West Virginia and the New River Gorge region.”
Stellars went on to say, “I look forward to meeting with local communities, user groups, park partners, staff and our elected officials to learn more about New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River.”
National Park Service Regional Director Gay Vietzke selected Sellars to fill the role because he has a “steady, consistent leadership that will continue to guide this national park to a bright future.”
“His extensive experience in facilities management, preservation and working with park partners will guide him as the park continues to better serve visitors from West Virginia and across the country,” Vietzke said in a statement.
Sellars comes from Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, where he has served as superintendent since 2019. Before that, Sellars was superintendent of Andersonville National Historic Site. He also served as acting superintendent of Canaveral National Seashore, Jimmy Carter National Historic Site and Tennessee’s Fort Donelson National Battlefield and National Cemetery.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin released a statement Tuesday to congratulate Sellars.
“Charles was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains and brings a unique understanding of the natural beauty and environment he will now be tasked with preserving for future generations to enjoy. I look forward to working with Charles to preserve our state’s heritage, grow West Virginia’s outdoor recreation economy, protect the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and show the United States what wild and wonderful West Virginia has to offer,” Manchin stated.
Sellars is expected to get to work after the new year.