Joy Raintree Announced as New State Park Director

We are excited to announce that Joy Raintree has been selected as the new Director of South Carolina State Parks!

Joy began her career with the Park Service more than 20 years ago as Park Interpreter at Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site. While serving as Interpreter and eventually as Park Manager, she helped create the standards for sharing complex stories in our Park Service. Her work with outside groups, descendants, staff, and other professionals informed her approaches as she helped our historic sites focus on researching stories, protecting landscapes and structures, and sharing information on difficult material honestly and professionally.

 As Park Manager, she mentored and supervised various positions, and learned she had a gift and passion for helping others find and achieve their potential.

Seven years ago, Joy was promoted to Sandhills Region Chief where she has continued to share that passion and be guided by her experiences. From ranger writing groups to working on mental health initiatives, improving communications, and sharing podcasts, articles, and books, she has worked to find many avenues to help her team grow. As a leader, she has worked tirelessly to help improve the Park Service for our employees and visitors.  

Looking forward, we are thrilled to have Joy's knowledge, passion, and heart for service in this role for the next chapter of South Carolina Parks, Recreation, and Tourism history.

Congratulations, Joy, on this well-deserved achievement! We look forward to serving with you and moving the South Carolina State Park Service forward.