Park Manager Jay Reese

Meet Jay Reese, Park Manager at May Forest State Park. Jay began his career with the South Carolina State Parks Service in 2014 as a Park Ranger at Croft State Park before he was promoted to Assistant Park Manager at Hickory Knob State Resort Park in 2018. In 2022, Jay was named the first Park Manager of May Forest State Park. Through a combination of leadership training, podcasts, books, and invaluable mentorship, Jay developed the skills that prepared him for park leadership.

Taking on the challenge of opening a brand-new state park, was an opportunity of a lifetime. “What a fantastic opportunity to help design and build a park from the beginning. It isn’t easy—there isn’t a manual—but the challenge is what makes it all worth it,” says Jay.  From meetings with stakeholders, design teams, engineers, and procurement to developing a master plan, Jay has led the park into its soft-opening phase, committed to safety, conservation, and creating an unforgettable visitor experience.

"I have learned more than I ever expected in the process. I have learned patience. Designing & developing a park does not happen overnight. Careful planning is important so we can develop a safe and enjoyable experience for employees and visitors, while following our mission of providing resource-based recreational and educational opportunities that emphasize the conservation, protection, and interpretation of our state’s natural and cultural resources."

May Forest is truly special. Once owned by the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, the park’s centerpiece is the former convent, or "motherhouse," which overlooks the stunning Charleston Harbor. “The serene beauty of the park is like no other,” Jay shares.

A day at May Forest is never the same for Jay. One moment, he’s leading a tour of the 31,000-square-foot convent; the next, he’s in meetings, making repairs, or preparing the grounds for visitors. Jay’s favorite part of his role? Sharing May Forest’s history with visitors. “My absolute favorite thing is giving tours and sharing the special history of this property and Fort Johnson,” he adds.

A project that Jay is most proud of is the interview with the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy leadership, "It was a special moment for the Sisters and lovely to hear them tell the story of this property and their, now 195 years, of service."

One of Jay’s favorite stories involves a surprise encounter with actor Woody Harrelson, who was filming the movie Suncoast at May Forest. During one of the filming days, Jay and his wife, Phyllis, and their dogs Georgia and Oscar were walking back to their residence and saw people sitting in the chairs behind their house that overlook the harbor. Turns out, it was Woody! “Our dogs ran right to him, and Woody ended up playing with Oscar, our corgi, for a good while. It was pretty cool to meet and hang out with one of my favorite actors.”

Managing a new park comes with the challenge of the unknown. Unlike established parks, Jay can’t yet rely on seasonal trends or historical data to predict visitor needs. Decisions about infrastructure—such as entrances, parking, and traffic flow—require careful consideration. However, Jay remains excited about the park’s future. “I am most excited about what the future holds for this park. The special memories that will be made here— from weddings, reunions, and events.” Find the latest park information and future rental offerings on the May Forest State Park page.

For anyone considering a career with SC State Parks, Jay’s advice is clear: “If you want a fulfilling career full of challenging and fun experiences, not to mention, being a special part of a visitor's memories and belonging to a wonderful park family, the South Carolina State Park Service is the place for you." For seasoned park staff, Jay's advice is to "Keep creating those memories for yourself, coworkers, and our visitors. Remember our mission and guiding goals, and what an amazing opportunity we all have to protect and share our beautiful natural and cultural resources. Follow your heart and do what you love!”

Jay is well on his way to achieving Ultimate Outsider status, with just 13 parks left to visit. His advice for first-time visitors? “I recommend visitors to explore our 48 state parks, look at the top five things to do in each park, and do them! Here at May Forest, enjoy sitting in the swing and taking in the serene beauty and view of the Charleston Harbor!”

Thank you, Jay, for your hard work and dedication to the state park service! 

Think you might be interested in a job with the South Carolina State Park Service? Click here to see our current, full-time job openings!