Message from our state park director

Each month we'll hear from our state park director, Phil Gaines, on a new and exciting topic important to state parks.

Phil is a native of Greenville and a graduate of Clemson University. He is also a Certified Public Manager and a graduate of the South Carolina Executive Institute.

He started his career as an entry level park ranger at Kings Mountain State Park straight out of college. He has been Park Superintendent of Lake Wateree, Dreher Island and Santee State Parks.

After working in park operations, he served as Assistant State Park Director for 6 years. He became Director of State Parks in 2005.

Phil is the current Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents of the National Association of State Park Directors National Leadership School.

He is an instructor at the National State Park Leadership School in Oglebay West Virginia.

He is the past president of the Southeastern Association of State Park Directors and currently serves as Secretary Treasurer of the Association.

Phil also serves on various boards including
• Clemson University’s External Advisory Board For the College of Health, Education and Human Development
• The Drayton Hall Site Council and
• The Battle of Camden Advisory Board

Check out all of Phil's monthly columns:

• Lightkeepers
• Anticipation!
• Check Off for State Parks
• Turkey, Traditions and New Year's Resolutions
• Trail Mix 
• Fall For Your State Parks
• Celebrating Art in the Parks
• Coastal Explorations
• Standing on the Same Spot
• The In-Betweens
• A Wild Month
• Come Out & Play