Strategic National Park Service Leader and Former Superintendent will Scale Efforts to Protect the Appalachian Trail and its Landscape

HARPERS FERRY, W.V. — The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Board of Directors announced today that Cinda Merrill Waldbuesser will become the ATC’s 11th President and CEO. An accomplished conservation and public-sector executive with more than two decades of leadership experience, Waldbuesser has held positions with the National Park Service (NPS) and within the nonprofit sector where she was recognized for her strategic acumen, coalition-building skills, and ability to lead complex organizations toward mission-aligned growth and impact.

“The Appalachian Trail represents something much larger than the miles it covers — it is a living example of what can be accomplished through collaboration, dedication, and a shared love of the natural world,” Waldbuesser said. “I am honored to lead the Conservancy at this pivotal moment and work with our staff, partners, volunteers, and communities to ensure the Trail continues to inspire, connect, and sustain future generations.”

Most recently, Waldbuesser served as Deputy Regional Director for the NPS’s Northeast Region where she provided executive leadership for national park units across 1.5 million acres from Maine to Virginia. In that role, she supported 22 park superintendents with park operations and strategic communication including those managing the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Shenandoah National Park, and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. She also led interagency coordination, collaborating closely with other federal agencies, state governments, and national nonprofits to advance shared stewardship priorities, strengthen operational effectiveness, and deepen connections between parks, partners, and the public.

“Cinda’s career reflects a consistent focus on stewardship, access, and connecting and inspiring people through the power of public lands, making her the ideal candidate to lead the ATC into a new century of safeguarding this national treasure,” said James LaTorre, chair, ATC board of directors. “Her collaborative leadership style, transparent communication, and deep respect for the role of volunteers, communities, and partners in conservation will be an asset.”

To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Waldbuesser will assume the role of incoming President and CEO on Monday, November 17, working closely alongside the ATC’s current President and CEO, Sandra Marra. This structured handover period will allow time for knowledge transfer, strategic alignment, and continuity in leadership through the end of the ATC’s centennial year.

The ATC began the search for a new President and CEO by appointing a CEO search and transition committee, chaired by Greg Merritt, vice chair of the ATC’s board of directors. This committee solicited stakeholder feedback to inform the national search and conducted candidate outreach and interviews in collaboration with the executive search firm Armstrong McGuire.

“The ATC’s CEO search and transition committee is very pleased to be welcoming Cinda to the ATC,” Merritt said. “Her expertise in collaborating with broad coalitions of partners and stakeholders, securing legislative and philanthropic support, and strengthening protection for national treasures like the Appalachian Trail will help us achieve our ultimate vision, for the A.T. and its landscape to remain protected, resilient, and connected for all.”

Waldbuesser will be based out of Pennsylvania and will be traveling to all 14 Trail states to meet with ATC staff and stakeholders in 2026.

As previously announced on April 9, the ATC’s current President and CEO, Sandra Marra, is retiring after seven years in the role and more than 40 years volunteering with the Appalachian Trail. To learn more about Marra, please read her retirement announcement.

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Founded in 1925, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy works passionately to manage and protect the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. As the only non-profit devoted exclusively to the entirety of the Trail and its landscape, we endeavor to keep its vast natural and scenic beauty healthy, resilient, and connected, so that everyone can experience its transformative power for generations to come. Together with our supporters, partners, and thousands of volunteers, we keep the Trail alive.

Media Contacts
Ann Simonelli, Director of Communications, 304.885.0482, asimonelli@appalachiantrail.org 
Caroline Ralston, AVP of Marketing & Communications, 917.930.3801, cralston@appalachiantrail.org