Alumni Dr. Brenda Todd Accepts Position with the National Park Service
BRENDA TODD SELECTED AS GRAND CANYON-PARASHANT NATIONAL MONUMENT SUPERINTENDENT
SAN FRANCISCO - The National Park Service has selected Dr. Brenda Todd as the superintendent of Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. Todd is currently the Superintendent at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in North Dakota and will transition to her new role on May 24.
“Brenda has a deep background in public service, with an emphasis in cultural resources and recreation. She has a history of developing strong relationships with park service communities, including tribes, academic institutions and visitors,” said National Park Service Regional Director Stan Austin. “Brenda inspires team members to achieve a larger vision and become leaders.”
In her current role, she manages all aspects of park operations, including overseeing the implementation of a new Archeological Resources Management Plan, an award-winning interpretive program and a robust natural resource program. She also filled leadership roles at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, both in North Dakota.
“I am thrilled to serve as the next Superintendent of Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. I am inspired by the rich history, stunning vistas, rugged landscape and endless recreational opportunities offered by this special place,” said Todd. “It is an honor to be entrusted with providing exceptional visitor experiences and ensuring ongoing resource stewardship. I look forward to working closely with our partners in the Bureau of Land Management to cooperatively manage the monument under the Service First Authority.”
Todd began her career with the National Park Service in 2006 as a Student Career Experience Program student employee in the Intermountain Office of Indian Affairs and American Culture. After the completion of her PhD in 2012, she transitioned to the Denver Service Center Planning Division where she was a Cultural Resource Specialist and then a Project Manager, working with parks to resolve complex natural and cultural resource management issues.
In addition to her public service, Todd has worked for the Colorado Historic Society (now History Colorado), , Colorado State University and as the CEO and Owner of her own consulting firm. She holds both a doctorate and master’s degree in anthropology with a specialization in archeology from . She also has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Fort Lewis College in Colorado.
Todd has always been fascinated by history and archeology and grew up exploring the picturesque mountains and valleys around her hometown in Colorado. She and her husband Adam look forward to hiking, backpacking and experiencing the spectacular parks and monuments surrounding St. George.