The leadership for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is very important. The group helps make decisions that potentially impact visitor experience at the popular tourist attraction. People are always working to keep the Smokies fun and safe! We are excited to tell you about a new change to the park's leadership. Read all about Charles Sellars and his new role as superintendent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
An Upgraded Title
Charles Sellars will officially serve as the GSMNP’s superintendent as of February 22, 2026. He was the acting superintendent for more than a year before and led the park through a significant period of change. This included the government shutdown in October 2025, when the park remained fully functional thanks to funds from Sevier County in East Tennessee and other organizations. We are excited about the continued growth of the park under Sellars’ leadership.
About Charles Sellars
Charles Sellars is a good fit for the superintendent role because he has a lot of experience with the National Park Service. Sellars started his career in 1985 when he took the position of a temporary engineering draftsman on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sellars has also served as chief of facility management at 3 parks, including the Bandelier National Monument. His most recent role before coming to the GSMNP was the superintendent of the River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia, which began in 2022.
Cassius Cash Steps Down
Cassius Cash was the previous superintendent of the GSMNP. He accepted the position in 2014 and stepped down in September 2024. He made some big decisions during this time, such as implementing the Smoky Mountain parking tag in March 2023. This change kept admission to the park accessible for everyone while bringing in more funds for park operations. The money funded trail improvements and increased ranger presence. He continues to work with the National Park Service as President and CEO of Yosemite Conservancy.
Responsibilities of the Superintendent
Here is a look at what the superintendent's role is responsible for at the GSMNP:
- Protection of the Park’s Resources: The superintendent oversees the protection of the park’s resources. These include the wildlife, the plants, and the historical buildings.
- Park Operations: The superintendent supervises important processes, such as trail maintenance, budgeting, and law enforcement.
- Education: The superintendent uses the park’s resources to help put together educational programs. The park is an excellent hands-on learning environment for visitors of all ages!
- External Relations: The superintendent establishes relations with people and organizations in neighboring cities. Their support can play a big role in the efficient operation of the park.
- Legal and Administrative: The superintendent has the power to establish rules in the park. For example, they can close certain areas, set speed limits, and require permits for special events. Another responsibility is overseeing the park’s large workforce of park rangers, maintenance crews, researchers, and more!
More Influential People of the Smokies
Now you know more about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s new superintendent, Chris Sellars. Check out these stories of influential people in the Smokies who helped to shape the area into what it is today!
