2026 Recognition Awards

Every year at our Parks' Leadership Conference, Ranger in Service, and Interpreters' Conference, staff gather to share information and brainstorm new ideas. It is also a time when staff are recognized for their years of service and those who go above and beyond in their field. We are excited to announce this year's award recipients.

 

Directors Award: Mike Watkins, Trails Coordinator

 

Papenfus Award

The Robert J. Papenfus Award is awarded to the park, person, or team that has demonstrated excellence in the Management of Natural and Cultural Resources.  The 2026 reciepient is James Revis, Upper Coast Regional Chief.

 

Interpreter of the Year: Rachel Jensen, Oconee Station/Oconee

 

Internal Customer Service Award: Jacob Gantt

 

 

Mountain Region

Customer Service Award: Mark Stanford, Musgrove Mill

 

Customer Service Award: Linda Caddell, Croft

 

Ranger of the Year: Woody Goodwin, Croft

 

 

Lakes Region

Customer Service Award: Mary Reimel, Sadlers Creek

 

Customer Service Award: Darlene Resavage, Hickory Knob

 

Ranger of the Year: Daniel Bailey, Lake Greenwood

 

 

Sandhills Region

Customer Service Award: Skyler Atkinson, Sesquicentennial

 

Customer Service Award: Danny Thompson, Dreher Island

 

Ranger of the Year: Georgia VanHeusen, Barnwell

 

 

Upper Coast Region

Customer Service Award: Brandon Bowers, Regional Maintenance Supervisor

 

Customer Service Award: Jean Spiva, Myrtle Beach

 

Ranger of the Year Award: Joshua Haney, Huntington Beach

 

 

Low Country Region

Customer Service Award: Malia Cooler, Hunting Island

 

Customer Service Award: Damien Grooms, Edisto

 

Ranger of the Year: Candra Workman, May Forest

 

 

Service Recognition

5 Years

· Dennis Coyne, Maintenance Supervisor, St. Phillips Island

· Kirk Patterson, Park Technician, Hunting Island

· Alexis Chase, Off-Park Ranger, Huntington Beach

· Patty Holder, Visitor Services Coordinator, Charles Towne Landing

· Nicole Isenbarger, Archaeologist, Charles Towne Landing

· Chase Driggers, Ranger II, Cheraw

· James Taylor, Ranger I, Santee

· Skyler Atkinson, Senior Ranger, Sesquicentennial

· Charles Northcutt, Park Technician, Sesquicentennial

· Sammy Goodwin, Ranger II, Woods Bay

· Madison Trump, Interpreter, Paris Mountain

· Wilson Edwards, Maintenance Supervisor, Paris Mountain

· Dylan Ligon, Senior Ranger, Baker Creek

· Robert Broome, Maintenance Supervisor, Lake Greenwood

· Terry Merchant, Administrative Specialist, Lake Greenwood

· Corey Wall, Golf Course Maintenance Assistant, Hickory Knob

· Maria Thompson, Front Desk Manager, Hickory Knob

· Megan Roach, Administrative Assistant, Calhoun Falls

· Rachel Snuggs, Chief of Resource Management

· Rick Highers, Assistant Park Manager, Myrtle Beach

· Stacey Young, Archaeologist, Resource Management

 

10 Years

· Richard Courtney, Park Technician, Hunting Island

· Eric Szumlas, Ranger I, Oconee

· Robin Kriby, Park Technician, Dreher Island

· Bernard Geddis, Supply Specialist, Service & Supply

· Johnathan Kent, Project Engineer, Engineering Management

· Adam Wyatt, Assistant Park Manager, Table Rock

· Elise Wingo, Assistant Park Manager, Mountain Bridge

· Zach Setzer, Park Manager, Chester

 

15 Years

· Calvin Post, Ranger II, Table Rock

· Adam Ginn, Assistant Park Manager, Santee

· Bruce Chavis, Park Manager, H Cooper Black

· Brandon Bowers, Regional Maintenance Supervisor, Upper Coast

· Sarah Pardue, Chief of Budget and Revenue

 

20 Years

· Elliott Wilkes, Ranger II, Mountain Bridge

· Bryn Harmer, Park Manager, Oconee

· Kenneth Reed, Retail Sales Manager

· Adion Fell, Mountain Region Chief

 

25 Years

· Tim Lee, Interpreter, Mountain Bridge

· Daniel Gambrell, Chief of Park Operations

 

35 Years

· Kirk Johnston, Park Manager, Andrew Jackson