Rogers Named New Superintendent at Jockey's Ridge State Park

Steve Rogers has been selected as the new park superintendent at Jockey's Ridge State Park in Dare County, North Carolina State Parks announced. N.C. State Parks is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Park superintendents manage operations and administration at a park and have wide-ranging responsibilities that include staffing, training, law enforcement, planning, resource management, interpretation and education, and visitor services. Rogers succeeds long-time superintendent Joy Cook, who retired in January.

Rogers began his parks career with the Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division as a seasonal employee in 1998 and was hired full-time in maintenance the following year. After serving as herd manager for the nonprofit organization Corolla Wild Horse Fund from 2006-09, he returned to State Parks as a ranger at Pettigrew State Park, where he was promoted to superintendent in 2015. He has served as superintendent of Merchants Millpond State Park since 2017, overseeing daily operations and long-term management. He has also contributed to State Parks through service on the Interpretation and Education Council and Search and Rescue Council and as an armorer. Rogers said he is committed to preserving natural resources, enhancing visitor experiences, and fostering community partnerships at the park.

"Steve's leadership, experience and commitment to park stewardship have made a lasting impact at every park he has served," said State Parks Director Brian Strong. "We are confident he will continue that legacy at Jockey's Ridge, ensuring this iconic landscape is protected and enjoyed for generations to come."

About North Carolina State Parks
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all through conservation, education, and recreation, with a vision to connect generations with nature through exceptional outdoor experiences. The state parks system features 35 state parks, 25 state natural areas, four state recreation areas, seven state lakes, four Natural and Scenic Rivers, and 15 state trails - spanning over 264,000 acres of iconic landscapes and welcoming 18 million visitors annually.

In addition to overseeing the state parks system, the division administers federal and state parks and trails grants, including the state-funded Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the Complete the Trails Program, and the Great Trails State Program, as well as the federally funded Recreational Trails Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The division is part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural ResourcesThe N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov.

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