Black History Month: Honoring CRNRA's Black Leaders
February is Black History Month, a time to honor and reflect on the contributions of Black Americans throughout history - including their impact on the National Park Service and CRNRA! Black Americans have played a pivotal role in shaping the parks we cherish today. Explore the stories of resilience and conservation woven into CRNRA's history as we honor the diversity that strengthens and enriches our shared natural spaces - at our park, two remarkable superintendents stand out for their resilience, vision, and commitment to community: Marvin Madry and Kevin Cheri.
Superintendent Marvin Madry
In July 1992, Marvin Madry took the helm at CRNRA during a period of intense challenges. Over his five-year tenure, he navigated a growing park system, tight budgets, and even a government shutdown. Despite these hurdles, Madry displayed exceptional strategic leadership, recognizing the park's diverse stakeholders and fostering collaboration.
Under his guidance, CRNRA developed a strategic plan that set clear goals for overcoming obstacles and enhancing the visitor experience. Madry’s dedication to building partnerships and engaging the community left an enduring mark on the park, creating a foundation for its future success.
Superintendent Kevin Cheri
Kevin Cheri’s National Park Service journey began in 1974 as a seasonal ranger at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. By 1978, he had made history as the first African American employee at Buffalo National River, where he served as a permanent Law Enforcement Ranger. Throughout his career, Cheri often broke barriers, frequently serving as the only African American in his roles.
In 2000, Cheri became Superintendent of CRNRA, bringing decades of experience and a steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion. His leadership at CRNRA and other parks, including Canyonlands National Park and Big Bend National Park, highlighted his passion for mentorship and cultivating a more representative workforce.
Cheri later returned to Buffalo National River as superintendent in 2007, retiring in 2018 after four decades of service. Reflecting on his career in the National Park Service podcast A Sense of Place: Stories of Stewardship, he called building a diverse staff one of his most meaningful achievements.
In 2018, Cheri sat down with NPS for their podcast A Sense of Place: Stories of Stewardship from the National Park Service, remarking on his struggles and accomplishments during his tenure. The episode, titled The National Park Service Reckons with Representation, can be listened to or read here.
Honoring Their Legacy
The contributions of Marvin Madry and Kevin Cheri remind us of the transformative power of leadership and representation. Their work at CRNRA reflects the broader mission of the National Park Service: preserving our natural treasures while fostering inclusivity and community connection.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us honor these leaders’ legacies and recommit to their vision of ensuring that our parks remain places for all people to enjoy, protect, and cherish.
Support Your Local National Park
If you enjoy CRNRA, consider supporting the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC). Your donation helps maintain and improve our beautiful trails and river, ensuring they remain a top destination and escape for metro Atlanta. Every contribution makes a difference in preserving this natural treasure for future generations.
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