One of the most influential forces in shaping the future configuration of Jones Point Park has been named the new Southeast Regional Director for the U.S. National Park Service.

David Vela, who became Superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway just two years ago, May 28, 2006, will oversee a region that contains 66 national parks in nine states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. He will be one of seven NPS regional directors.

"David came up through the ranks, beginning as a frontline park ranger. His early field experience prepared him to be a great superintendent and now he will apply those same skills as regional director," said Mary A. Bomar, director, National Park Service.

"I always had my eye on the Southeast Regional Director spot and promised myself that if it ever opened up I would apply. I did and I just got the word that I had been selected. I officially started in that new role this past Sunday," said Vela, who will remain in his Turkey Run office for several more weeks.

With its vast expanse, the Southeast Region welcomes over 60 million visitors each year. It has a $204 million operating budget and employs more than 2,600 people, including 174 employees at the Atlanta, Ga., regional headquarters.

"When I became superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, I wanted a complex park experience and the National Capital Area offered that. It also afforded me the opportunity to develop many friendships over the past two years," Vela said.

"These past two years have offered a wide array of challenges and exciting experiences — everything from Jones Point Park to Dyke Marsh to the P.O. Box 1142 reunions of those who served at the secretive prisoner of war center at Fort Hunt Park during World War II," he said.

"I also want to assure everyone that there will be continuity in this position. Deputy Superintendent Jon James will become the new acting superintendent for the George Washington Memorial Parkway. He also served in that capacity after Audrey Calhoun retired and before I arrived," Vela said.

"Jon has been my right hand and is keenly aware of all the various events that have taken place over the last several years. There will be uniformity and continuity with all the projects, including Jones Point Park," Vela emphasized.

"My promotion will have no impact on the plans for the development of Jones Point Park. We are presently working on the design for the park, which is 60 percent to 65 percent complete. For all intensive purposes we are done with the configuration for Jones Point Park," he said.

James, a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History. Originally from western Missouri, he has been with the National Park Service for over 32 years, serving in 11 areas.



A 17 YEAR VETERAN of the Park, Vela began his career in 1981 as a Cooperative Education Student at San Antonio Missions Historical Park. Upon completion of that program he became a permanent Park Ranger.

He first came to Virginia when he was transferred to Appomattox Court House National Historical park in 1984 to serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger. In 1986, he moved to Independence National park in Philadelphia, Pa., where he served as a District Ranger.

Vela interrupted his NPS career from 1987 to 1998 when he resigned to work as a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, performing white-collar criminal investigations in New York and New Jersey. He also served as a special assistant for Hispanic Affairs to the late U. S. Rep. Mickey Leland.

A native of Wharton, Texas, Vela was appointed as the Director of the Texas Child Support Program by the Texas Attorney General in 1996. In that role he was responsible for a statewide operation consisting of over 70 field offices with 2,400 employees.

Vela return to the park service in 1998 as the Superintendent of Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site located in Brownsville, Texas. In 2002, he was appointed the NPS's Texas State Coordinator for the Intermountain Region. He also performed detail assignments in the Office of the Director, and served as Acting Deputy Director, Southeast Region.

Vela holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation and Parks from Texas A&M University. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Department of Interior Senior Executive Service Program and holds awards and citations for exemplary service in the both the park service and for his "outstanding contributions to our nation's children."

He was recognized by his alma mater, Texas A&M, in 2008 with The Leslie M. Reid Alumni Award For Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Recreation, Parks, or Tourism by a graduate of the Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism Sciences at the University.

Vela is married to his high school sweetheart, Melissa, who also happens to be a graduate of Texas A&M University. They have two children, Christina, another A&M graduate, and Anthony, a sophomore at A&M and a member of the football team.