People work for people, not for companies

Message From The Director

I started with the South Carolina State Park Service in October 2002. With a few degrees and a few full-time positions under my belt, I was no stranger to the workforce. But I was a stranger to a work culture that satisfied my desire for creativity, camaraderie, and a shared purpose. I found all of those at South Carolina State Parks.

Each January/February, parts of our workforce—rangers, managers, Interpreters, and support staff—gather at conferences for team building, learning, and fellowship. We take a few days out of the week to learn more about each other, share challenges faced from park to park, be inspired by new initiatives, and broaden our understanding of the outdoor industry at large.

This year, I participated in that process from a new vantage point, as the newly hired South Carolina State Park Director. I have attended many conferences since 2002, first as an interpreter, then as a manager, and finally as a regional chief, but never as director. I found that the level of engagement, inquisitiveness, and excitement that I felt was not new, strange or foreign to me. It was simply the continuation of a 22-year career in which I have enjoyed the creativity, camaraderie, and shared purpose that brought me to South Carolina two decades ago.

A significant portion of the conference is recognizing the years of service and accomplishments of the people who make state parks a reality. I wanted to give you a glimpse of that culture through some of the service awards that were shared at the conferences this year. Each of these excerpts was written and read by the employee’s supervisor.

Matthew Coleman (5 years) has consistently shown dedication, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to the park service's mission.

When I think of Jerry “Wayne” Sanders (5 years), words like dedication, enthusiasm, hard work, and problem solver come to mind. Wayne’s career has been nothing short of fascinating.

Mark Owens (10 years) shines with the inner glow of the kind of workplace that I want to work, exemplifies the types of Ranger interactions with visitors I want my kids to have, and treats his parks with the tenderness and affection for an old homeplace. He gets it.

Kathryn Gompers (10 years), you truly embody the saying, “It ain’t over 'til it’s over.” You’ve weathered countless storms, both personal and professional, during your time with the State Parks. These experiences have shaped you into someone who knows no quit and only moves forward.

Dawn Weaver (10 years), never takes a back seat, oh no. She works for her team, making them glow. Creating exhibits for the next generation, her leadership brings awe and inspiration. (excerpted from an entire nursery rhyme…see, I told you Park Rangers were creative!)

Mike Watkins (10 years), your passion and dedication have set a high standard for all of us. Your hard work and leadership have only just begun to make a lasting impact on our trails and communities.

James Revis (10 years) I have watched James navigate his position with a positive attitude and passion for learning. James is not just willing to learn things but also shows a thirst for knowledge of any sort. From the physical functioning of his parks to new leadership and management techniques, he consumes information with a desire to grow and be better. James' desires are rooted in the most noble of ideals: to be a better leader for those he serves.

Tim Ritter (15 years) loves his team, he loves his visitors, and they love him. He works tirelessly to improve the park, often thinking of off-the-wall ways to do it.

Laura Kirk (20 years) is a voice who fights to keep the memory of the people of the CCC active and relevant for today’s visitors. She has a heart for nature, the environment she is in, and cares deeply about her job.

Dan Neary (20 years) When I think of you as a ranger, I think of your integrity, motivation, and accountability. You have trained many rangers who have come through Paris Mountain (some may be sitting in this room or now in a leadership role) and have been an integral part of their career. You train rangers to be the best versions of themselves and to represent the Park Service well.

Nancy (Amanda) Jenkins (20 years) has dedicated two decades of her life to serving visitors and taking care of our resources. Her friendly personality shines on a daily basis. Amanda is such a talented and hard worker.

Zabo McCants (20 years) Through the years, I have had the chance to teach and to learn from him. In a pinch, he’s a guy you want in your corner. He consistently goes the extra mile and then drops his team off while he keeps going.

Jon Greider (20 years) has proven to be the team leader the Lakes needed, and that was never as apparent as during Hurricane Helene. Jon juggled chainsaws, cell phones, man lifts, and spreadsheets to help out and advocate for his parks. He did this all while living under the same struggles of no power at his own house, but could be found daily working somewhere and using his downtime to make sure all of his sites were taken care of.

Jayson Sellers (20 years) Your dedication to the park service is evident in every project you undertake. From the care you put into maintaining the parks to the innovative ideas you bring to the table, you have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. Your leadership has not only improved the parks themselves but also inspired those who work alongside you.

John Moon’s (25 years) influence extends far beyond the boundaries of the parks he manages. He embodies the ranger service ethos in every aspect of his life. Whether inside or outside the park, he is always there for his colleagues and friends.

Kevin Blanton (25 years), you quietly work with your nose to the grindstone and achieve more than those who shout from the rooftops. You’re not a loud person. You’re determined, you listen, and you’re smart. You don’t just jump into decisions; you’re a careful tactician.

Rob Powell (25 years), your faith and dedication have been a light to so many. You’ve shown us that leadership is not about accolades but about serving with humility, lifting others up, and always keeping family and faith at the center. As we celebrate 25 years of your service, we give thanks for the example you’ve set and the lives you’ve touched.

Ann Wilson (30 years), you are a rock star in what you do! When you show up, you are one of, if not the smartest person in the room. You have a kind heart and, to your core, you do things for the betterment of the park service. You are truthful and genuine in what you do. To put it simply, we want you in our circle because you are the type of person who makes us better. You are the type of person we lean on and trust. You are the type of person you only get to meet once in a lifetime.

Scott Stegenga (35 years) Consistent, attentive, dependable, knowledgeable, and passionate are just a few of the superlatives that one can use to describe this employee. Loved by all for his quiet and unassuming manner, he performs his duties admirably and is always willing to lend a hand where needed.

I continue to be inspired by the people who share their skills and talents in our park system. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to shine a light on them, and the culture their supervisors continue to create. It is my greatest hope that our park visitors and our employees benefit from the culture that exists within the South Carolina State Park Service.

JER

“People work for people, not for companies. A worker’s regard for his supervisor will affect his opinion of his employer. Production is related to attitude, so much so that an organization which disregards this human equation will not achieve as much as it could achieve.” –Gerard R. Griffin (Forbes.com)

March 2025