Edmonson Native Named Superintendent of Ohio National Park

Ranger Chris Alford has been named the new superintendent of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Ohio.

Darren Doyle, story:
National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Bert Frost announced the selection of Chris Alford, an Edmonson County native and 1990 graduate of ECHS, as the new superintendent of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Ohio. Alford is currently the Chief of Interpretation, Education and Visitor Services at Prince William Forest Park located in Virginia. He will assume his new role later this summer.  

“I am pleased to announce Chris as the new superintendent of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park,” said Frost. “His understanding of park operations and inclusive leadership style will serve the park well into the future.” 
 
A 24-year veteran of the NPS, Alford has a wide range of experience in park operations to include information technology, emergency operations, and interpretation as well as an acting superintendent assignment at Prince William Forest Park. Alford also served at George Washington Memorial Parkway, Petroglyph National Monument, Redwood National and State Parks, and Mammoth Cave National Park. Prior to joining the NPS, Alford was an infantryman in the United States Army. He is a published photographer as well as artist.  
 
"I am humbled to be selected as Superintendent at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park,” Alford said of his new assignment. "I look forward to working with the professional staff, volunteers, stakeholders, partners, tribal leadership and local communities. It is an exciting time for the park, and I am eager to promote it to the world."  
 
Alford will be relocating to the Chillicothe area later this summer with his wife, Crissy, and their feline companions: Rosie, Tanner and Micki. In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors and crafting with leather. 

Some remember Ranger Alford as a former member of the ECHS band, an Eagle Scout, and the designer of the Edmonson County flag. He is the son of Janice Alford and the late Floyd Alford, and grew up on Chaumont Road in the Pig Community.

After high school, Alford served three years in the U.S. Army and went on to work for the park service.

He is also the son-in-law of Bruce and Cindy Vincent of the Lincoln community.