Jimmy Carter National Historical Park Welcomes Karen Barry as Superintendent

PLAINS, Ga. - The National Park Service has selected Karen Barry as the new Superintendent of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Barry has served as the park's Acting Superintendent for the past year and brings more than two decades of experience, regional leadership and a deep personal connection to the Plains community. She will begin her official role as Superintendent on Aug. 9.

"It is both humbling and inspiring to lead the park as we transition from sharing the story of a living President and First Lady to preserving a legacy that will endure for generations," said Superintendent Karen Barry. "Together with the Carter family, our community, partners and stakeholders, we will honor their lives of service and ensure that visitors continue to find inspiration in the places and values that shaped them."

Barry has worked for 21 years as an Administrative Officer at Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. She has worked as an Administrative Officer at Andersonville National Historic Site since 2013 and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park since 2018. She currently serves on the Southeast Regional Administrative Advisory Committee and as co-chair of the Georgia/Northeast Florida Administrative Officer Team.

Throughout her career, Barry has played a critical role in major milestones across both parks, including the rehabilitation and opening of Plains High School in 1996, the dedication of the Depot in 1997, the opening of the National Prisoner of War Museum in 1998 and the rehabilitation and opening of President Carter's Boyhood Home in 2000.

During Barry's tenure as Acting Superintendent, the park opened the Carter Gardens to the public for the first time in July 2025.

Born and raised in Macon, Ga., Barry joined the NPS after passing the Andersonville National Historic Site daily and feeling inspired to inquire about vacancies. In her free time, Barry enjoys thrifting, watching high school and college sports and spending time with her husband, Chris; her sons Benjamin and Will; daughter-in-law, Grace; and granddaughter Collins.