News Release

Denice Swanke Selected as Superintendent for Isle Royale National Park

Denice Swanke was announced as the superintendent of Isle Royale National Park in Michigan.

NPS photo

News Release Date: July 10, 2020

Contact: Neal Bedlan, [phone]

Contact: Liz Valencia, [phone]

Omaha, Neb. – National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Bert Frost announced the selection of Denice Swanke as permanent superintendent of Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, effective August 16.  “I am pleased to welcome Denice as superintendent of Isle Royale National Park,” Frost said of the selection. “Denice is an exceptional leader with broad understanding of park operations. Her honesty and integrity will help continue and develop strong relationships that will position her for success through innovation and meaningful collaboration.”

“I’m very excited about joining the team at Isle Royale National Park,” Swanke said about the appointment. “The Upper Peninsula, Lake Superior, and Isle Royale National Park are very special places, and I look forward to working with the park staff and stakeholders. I have yet to experience “enough” snow in my life and hope that gets tested in winters to come!”

Swanke is currently acting Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve, a post she has held since November 2016. In 2019, she served as the Acting Superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Prior to her current position, Swanke was Superintendent of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument from 2012 through 2016. She previously served in Acting Superintendent roles in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and Horace Albright Training Center.  Swanke also served as Legislative Affairs Specialist for the National Park Service Washington Office, Environmental Protection Specialist for Grand Canyon National Park and Outdoor Recreation Planner for Yellowstone National Park.

Swanke holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Montana and a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Oregon University. She and her husband, Steve, look forward to getting on the water and exploring the area.

Isle Royale National Park, with headquarters in Houghton, Michigan, was authorized by Congress and approved by President Herbert Hoover on March 3, 1931. The park was officially established by President Franklin Roosevelt on April 3, 1940. Isle Royale National Park is in the northwestern section of Lake Superior comprising 571,790 acres, within 14 miles of the Ontario (Canada) shoreline, 20 miles of Minnesota shoreline, and approximately 45 miles from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

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