News Release

Michelle Wheatley selected as superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Michelle Wheatley begins her new role as Mount Rushmore National Memorial Superintendent this month.

NPS Photo.

News Release Date: March 15, 2021

Contact: Alex Picavet, [phone]

Omaha, Neb. – Omaha — National Park Service Regional Director Bert Frost announced the selection of Michelle Wheatley as superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A 21-year veteran of the National Park Service, Wheatley has worked in a variety of national parks all over the western U.S. and currently serves as superintendent of Jewel Cave National Monument. She will assume her new role late-March. 

“Michelle has an extensive and successful background working with park gateway communities, partner organizations, tribal leaders, tourism partners and managing large scale national special events,” said Frost. “She has proven herself to be an accomplished leader intently focused on helping the American people find deeper meaning and connections with their national parks. Michelle is sure to add tremendous value as superintendent of Mount Rushmore.”   

“It is truly an honor to be selected as the superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial,” Wheatley said about her new assignment.  “I look forward to working closely with park staff, partners and engaging with community members to protect the incredible resources and tell the many stories Mount Rushmore has to offer.” 

Wheatley’s other assignments with the National Park Service have included serving as superintendent of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and Chief of Interpretation at Colorado National Monument.  She has also served a variety of visitor service positions in Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Parks, as well as acting superintendent at Colorado National Monument, and at Grant Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, and most recently as acting superintendent at Wind Cave National Park. 

Prior to joining the National Park Service, Wheatley began her public service career as a seasonal employee with the U.S. Forest Service and worked as the Outdoor Education and Science Coordinator for the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado and Environmental Compliance and Safety Program Assistant for the City of Colorado Springs Environmental Services Division. 

Wheatley is a graduate of Colorado State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation and business administration. She later received a Graduate Certificate in natural resources and environments from Colorado State University, Division of Continuing Education.

Wheatley and her husband Hal live in Custer, S.D., and spend their free time exploring the Black Hills with their dogs, Millie and Bobby.