News Release

Melissa Trenchik to lead Cumberland Island NS, Fort Frederica NM

Melissa Trenchik, superintendent Cumberland Island NS, Fort Frederica NM

NPS photo

News Release Date: March 21, 2024

Contact: Sarah Koenan, 912-882-4336

Melissa Trenchik to lead Cumberland Island National Seashore,  

Fort Frederica National Monument 

ATLANTA – The National Park Service (NPS) today announced the selection of Melissa Trenchik as the new superintendent for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Fort Frederica National Monument, effective April 21.  
 
“Melissa is highly regarded for her strengths managing complex park operations and advancing critical resource stewardship goals, while engaging a broad set of stakeholders,” said Mark Foust, NPS South Atlantic-Gulf Regional Director.  “We are pleased to welcome her to coastal Georgia, where we expect she will make a positive difference.”  

Trenchik brings 28 years of experience as a steward of cultural and natural resources on public lands to her role, punctuated by time spent as a soil scientist with a hydrogeologic consulting firm. Trenchik launched her career in public service with the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service. She broadened her knowledge of environmental law as an Environmental Program Manager supporting the Department of Defense. Since joining the National Park Service in 2013, Trenchik has served as Chief of Environmental Quality & Regional Wilderness Coordinator for the NPS Intermountain Region and Acting Superintendent at Buffalo National River, Capitol Reef National Park, and Fossil Butte National Monument. She is currently Chief of Resource Stewardship, Science, Interpretation and Education at Buffalo National River.  

“It is an honor to join the amazing team at Cumberland Island National Seashore and Fort Frederica National Monument to care for these incredible places,” Trenchik said. “These park units have the best of, both, cultural and natural resources, along with deeply engaged partners, communities and stakeholders. I look forward to immersing myself in the dynamic natural environment of Georgia’s largest barrier island. Additionally, preserving the history and telling the stories of human visitation and residency reaching back thousands of years is important for understanding our place in today’s world.” 

Trenchik has a degree in agriculture with an emphasis in soil science from New Mexico State University. She has two adult children and is excited to be a new grandma. She has given herself the title of “world’s worst river kayaker,” but perhaps she will have better luck as a blackwater and salt marsh kayaker. She enjoys hiking, walking her dogs, and hopes to renew her interest in golf as she settles into the parks’ gateway communities where she looks forward to getting actively involved.