Patrick Suddath

NPS News:

DENVER — National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Mike Reynolds today announced the selection of Patrick Suddath as superintendent of Bandelier National Monument.

Suddath has most recently served as the deputy superintendent of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. He will assume his new role Sunday, Aug. 15.

“Patrick has an extensive knowledge of cultural and natural resource management,” Reynolds said. “His leadership, partnership and management skills make him a great fit for Bandelier.”

Prior to serving as the deputy superintendent at Independence National Historical Park, he served as the chief ranger at the park. Suddath has also served as the Branch Chief of Ranger Activities at Glacier National Park and has held other leadership roles at Joshua Tree and Grand Canyon National Parks. Suddath began his career as a fire lookout and wildland firefighter in Mesa Verde National Park in 1989.

“I am thrilled to be selected for this position and excited to have the opportunity to work with the Superintendent of the Valles Caldera National Preserve to explore ways to preserve and protect these unique and connected ecosystems and the many significant sacred sites of our Tribal partners,” Suddath said. “I also look forward to returning home to New Mexico where I have many fond memories from my youth of visiting the cliff dwellings of Bandelier, and hiking and skiing in the area that would become the Valles Caldera National Preserve.”   

Suddath was born and raised in Albuquerque and received a B.A. from New Mexico State University. He has two grown children, Cassandra and Aaron. Cassandra is a recent graduate of the University of Montana and Aaron is living and working in Whitefish, Mont. Suddath enjoys hiking, biking and skiing in his spare time.

For more information about Bandelier National Monument, visit nps.gov/band.