New Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park leader named

The National Park Service has named a new leader for the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.

Kendel Thomspon was announced as the superintendent of the park on Wednesday, according to the National Park Service. Thompson has served as acting superintendent for the park since August 2017 and he will assume the job permanently on Aug. 5.

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“It is an honor to be selected as the superintendent of Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, a site that explores the limitless possibilities that can be accomplished by determined people,” Thompson said.

For the previous eight years, Thompson served as superintendent of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City, Ind.

Thompson, who is originally from Oklahoma, started his career with the National Park Service 42 years ago when he began volunteering at age 13 at Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. He has since served in 13 National Park Service areas and is a second-generation ranger, following in his father’s footsteps, according to the park service.

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Since 2012, Thompson has also been the editorial advisor for “Ranger” magazine, has authored a novel, and published multiple articles.

“I have appreciated Kendell’s performance as the acting superintendent at Dayton Aviation over the past months and what he accomplished previously as the superintendent of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial,” said Cam Sholly, Midwest regional director for the National Park Service. “He has done an excellent job of listening and fostering relationships and will be a strong superintendent and partner to the community.”

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