Cameron Sholly will depart his post as superintendent of Yellowstone National Park to become the chief operating officer for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The Department of the Interior announced the leadership change on Friday, marking the end of nearly eight years at the helm of America’s first national park.
Sholly is concluding a career with the National Park Service that spans nearly three decades. He will finish his government service later this month before transitioning to the new role. The foundation, which Congress chartered in 1984, operates as the nation’s largest conservation organization.
Managing Crisis and Growth
Sholly assumed leadership of Yellowstone operations in 2018. His tenure required managing the park through significant operational challenges, including the global pandemic and periods of record visitor numbers. He also directed response efforts during historic flooding in 2022.
The 2022 floods caused substantial damage to park infrastructure. Under Sholly’s direction, crews reopened 93 percent of Yellowstone within 20 days of the event. Restoring access through the damaged northern entrance took less than four months. These recovery efforts highlighted the agency’s capacity to manage large-scale natural disasters while maintaining public access.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum praised Sholly’s performance during his time in office. “Cam is an exceptional leader who delivered extraordinary results for Yellowstone National Park and the American people,” Burgum said.
A Long Career With The Service
Sholly’s connection to Yellowstone began in 1990 when he started as a seasonal employee. Over the following decades, he held various leadership positions within the federal agency. Before returning to Yellowstone, he directed the National Park Service’s midwest region, which oversees 61 national parks across 13 states.
During his time in regional leadership, Sholly helped guide a $380 million public-private transformation of Gateway Arch National Park. His work earned him the Presidential Rank Award, the federal government’s highest recognition for senior executive service members. He also received a meritorious service award from the Department of the Interior.
Reflecting on his departure, Sholly emphasized the significance of his final role. “Serving as superintendent of Yellowstone has been the greatest professional honor of my life,” he said.
Transition Period
The National Park Service has initiated a search for the next Yellowstone superintendent. An interim leader will be appointed to manage daily operations while the permanent selection process unfolds. Details regarding the interim appointment will be released separately by the agency.
Sholly’s move to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation represents a shift from direct park management to broader conservation funding and strategy. The foundation works with partners to protect wildlife habitats and natural resources across the United States. His experience in managing complex federal operations is expected to inform his new responsibilities as chief operating officer.
The transition occurs as Yellowstone continues to balance preservation goals with high visitor demand. Future leadership will need to address ongoing infrastructure needs and environmental challenges similar to those faced during Sholly’s tenure.