The National Park Service has named Leah McGinnis, a 28-year veteran of the agency, as the new superintendent of Saguaro National Park.
McGinnis, currently superintendent of Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, will begin her new assignment the week of Feb. 19. Saguaro Park has units east and west of Tucson.
She replaces former Saguaro superintendent Darla Sidles, who left last summer to become superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.
McGinnis is already familiar with the workings of Saguaro Park, having recently served for four months as acting superintendent there.
“Saguaro National Park is such a magical place. Being nestled against a vibrant urban center, it offers countless opportunities to collaborate and make partners in the community,” McGinnis said in a news release.
“I look forward to re-joining our amazing Saguaro team and being part of greater Tucson and all that it and the park have to offer.”
Her previous Park Service assignments included 12 years at Grand Canyon National Park, where she held several positions including chief of staff.
She also has served as interim superintendent of three Flagstaff area national monuments, interim superintendent of Tonto National Monument near Phoenix, and interim deputy superintendent of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona and Utah.
