The Trust for the National Mall Pays Tribute to Former Director of the National Park Service Mary Bomar
The Trust for the National Mall Pays Tribute to former Director of the National Park Service Mary Bomar (1944 - 2022)
The Trust for the National Mall pays tribute to the former Director of the National Park Service Mary Bomar, who served as head of America's national parks from 2006 - 2009. She passed away on August 28, 2022.
“Director Mary Bomar was instrumental to the early success of the Trust for the National Mall. She met with our founder and Chairman John "Chip" Akridge III in 2007 about his passion for helping make the National Mall the best park in the world," said Catherine Townsend, President and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall. "That meeting sparked the creation of the first philanthropic partnership, with the newly formed Trust for the National Mall, to restore, preserve and enrich the National Mall," Townsend added.
Bomar was born on June 30, 1944 and was raised in Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom. She became a U.S. citizen in 1977 and was the first naturalized U.S. citizen to serve as NPS Director. In 1990, Bomar began her NPS career, rising through the ranks to become the first superintendent at Oklahoma City National Memorial. She later served as superintendent of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia and the northeast regional director managing 100 parks including Acadia, Gettysburg, and the Statue of Liberty before her appointment as Director.
Photo by National Park Service
"As a naturalized US citizen, Mary often referred to herself as "an American by choice." This unique perspective gave her the ability to see the national parks for what they truly are, America's most precious gifts,” NPS Director Chuck Sams said. "As we honor Mary's life and legacy, we look to her dedication as an example to be emulated by all who follow in her footsteps."
As Director, Bomar led the kick-off of the 10-year National Park Centennial Challenge to help prepare the National Park Service for another century as the world’s leading conservation, preservation, and visitor enjoyment agency. During her tenure, she focused on increasing capacity of the System to serve visitors, preparing the next generation of park leaders, and re-engaging the American people with their national parks.
“There are special places that unite us all as Americans, and national parks are those places,” Bomar said of national parks during her tenure. “From iconic parks like Yellowstone and Gettysburg to places like the African Burial Ground and Rosie the Riveter, our national parks truly reflect the soul of America.”
The Trust for the National Mall is honored to have had the support of Director Bomar, and is grateful for her dedicated service to America's national parks.