Smokies Public Affairs Officer Bob Miller To Retire

NPS Digest is reporting this morning that Bob Miller, public affairs officer for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, will retire from almost 40 years of federal service on June 2nd. Bob has served as the “voice of the Smokies” since 1989 as the spokesman of America’s most-visited national park.

Bob began his career with the National Park Service in 1974 in Washington, DC, where he supervised the rangers who provided information, guided walks, talks and tours at popular visitor destinations, including the White House and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He was also the site manager for Ford's Theater.

Prior to moving to the Smokies in 1989 Bob was the administrative officer at Acadia National Park in Maine with responsibility for managing all the contracting, budget, personnel and property management functions.

While at Great Smoky Mountains, Bob has served as the park's fundraising coordinator and primary liaison with the Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has raised over $37 million to support the park since its formation in 1993. As Friends liaison, Bob coordinated development and communication of the park’s annual and long-term support needs to the Friends staff and board and to the public and prospective donors.

“Over the years, Bob has become an institution at Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” said Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. “Even individuals who have never met Bob recognize him from his television interviews and press releases. He has made many meaningful connections with our community and park partners and will be missed by more than just our NPS staff.”


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com