Wade Vagias will be the new superintendent for Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in south-central Idaho, beginning October 2015.
Vagias, who is currently the management assistant at Yellowstone National Park, has developed extensive working relationships with gateway communities and elected officials, and dealt with numerous legislative issues related to Yellowstone. He has also worked to complete a plan for the wintertime use of Yellowstone, resolving a nearly two-decade-long debate on the issue.
"Wade brings a wealth of experience working with people in local communities," said Martha Lee, Acting Pacific West Regional Director for the National Park Service. "We are excited to have Wade bring his energy and experience to the region through Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve."
Vagias replaces Dan Buckley, who was recently selected as the Chief of Wildland Fire for the National Park Service.
Vagias, his wife, Jenna, who is a program manager with the Yellowstone Association Institute, and their daughter, Brooke, enjoy multi-day river trips, camping, hunting, fishing, and exploring the many trails and backroads throughout the intermountain West.
“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to work alongside the staff and partners of Craters of the Moon and engage with the park’s many partners and stakeholders to help preserve and celebrate the values that make this park so special,” Vagias said.
To learn more about Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, visit www.nps.gov/crmo.
