2025 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 awards recipients.


Ranger of the Year

Lakes Region

Russ Zahler, Lake Wateree (now Santee)

Lower Coast Region

Adrienne Bagwell, Edisto Beach



Upper Coast Region

Ginny Combs, Little Pee Dee

Mountain Region

Laura Taber, Croft

Sandhills Region

Skyler Atkinson, Sesquicentennial



Interpreter of the Year

Mike Walker, Huntington Beach

Director's Award

Matt Malovic, Construction & Maintenance


Customer Service Awards

Sandhills Region

Sam Worley, Dreher Island
Holly Owens, Santee


Lower Coast Region

Nicole Ohlandt, Charles Towne Landing

Bob Schuler, Colonial Dorchester

Upper Coast Region

Milan Burton, Myrtle Beach
Amber Macleod, Huntington Beach



Mountain Region


Janie Ray, Paris Mountain


Rick Henderson, Croft


Lakes Region 

Brandon Johnson, Calhoun Falls


Mark Boggs, Lake Wateree

Central Office

Mikaela Owens, Sales & Marketing


Robert J. Papenfus Award

The Robert J. Papenfus Award is awarded to the park, person, or team who has demonstrated excellence in the Management of Natural and Cultural Resources. 

John Moon, Black River


Service Recognition

 Five Years

Arthur Murray
Matthew Coleman
Alexander Kellner
Thomas Blair
Robert Lambert
Paul Bourne
Robin Fulton
Thomas Watson
Brenden Franklin
Amanda Rogers
James Studdard
Wayne Sanders
Samuel Worley
Andrew Spencer
Russ Zahler
Dylan Alexander
Nathaniel Shull
Stacy Scherman

10 Years

Austin Mitchum
Jay Reese
Mark Owens
Kathryn Gompers
Dawn Weaver
Michael Watkins
Michael Reid
James Revis

15 Years

Lydia Kowalski
Timothy Ritter

20 Years

Zabo McCants
Jayson Sellers
Laura Kirk
Antonia Rivers
Daniel Neary
Jonathan Greider
Amanda Jenkins

25 Years

John Moon
Jeff Hofmann
Brent Stevens
Kevin Blanton
Rob Powell
Al Hester
Jerry Ives

30 Years

Ann Wilson

35 Years

Scott Stegenga