The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Welcomes New Superintendent Ed Clark

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is pleased to welcome Ed Clark as the new superintendent of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Ed Clark

A veteran of the National Park Service (NPS), Clark has worked at both the park and national level for several decades, building strong public/private partnerships and providing strategic leadership. Clark will be the fifth park manager/superintendent of the Trail since Congress designated it the first National Scenic Trail in 1968.

“I am honored to be selected as the superintendent of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail,” said Clark. “The Appalachian Trail is such a unique and treasured landscape. I am eager to begin collaborating with other federal, state, tribal and community partners to continue to protect this natural gem. I look forward to meeting the dedicated staff and partners that support the trail and working to support our shared vision.”

Clark formerly served as the Pacific West Region’s senior project manager supporting complex projects such as Colorado River water issues, Lake Mead water levels, and statewide permitting efforts. From 2014-2017, Clark served as the superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site, while also serving in key park planning positions.

“As the lead NGO for the management and stewardship of the Appalachian Trail, ATC is excited to begin working with Ed to implement a collaborative vision for the second century of this beloved trailway,” said Sandra Marra, Appalachian Trail Conservancy President and CEO. “More than just a simple footpath, the A.T. and its surrounding landscape promote ecological health and biodiversity, sustainable outdoor recreation economies, and a truly unique recreational experience. Ed brings valuable community engagement experience that will be critical to advancing our collective efforts to protect and maintain this valuable national resource.”

Prior to his post at Gettysburg, Clark served as superintendent of Manassas National Battlefield Park for five years, where he provided service-wide leadership for the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War and the broader Civil War to Civil Rights commemorative efforts. He has also served as the acting associate regional director for operations for the National Capital Region of the National Park Service and the acting national coordinator for National Heritage Areas.

Clark’s other previous assignments include deputy chief ranger at Shenandoah National Park and supervisory park ranger at the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Clark holds degrees from Radford University and Ferrum College. He replaces Superintendent Wendy Janssen, who retired in December 2022. Since January 2023, Ed Wenschhof, John Cannella, Kurt Speers, Denise Nelson, Jim Von Haden, and Keith Stegall all served terms as acting superintendent. ATC is grateful for their acting and continuing service.

Clark is expected to begin his duties as Superintendent on October 8.

To learn more about the ATC’s work protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/our-work.