As superintendent, DeYoung will work with an evolving network of partners to connect people, places, and stories through a variety of outdoor recreational and educational experiences along 710 miles of existing and planned trails within this rich network. 

“Jeri’s strong background in bringing people together to enjoy and conserve our nation’s natural and cultural resources and her experience working with Tribal partners make her a great fit for this position,” National Park Service Regional Director Kym Hall said. “Her diverse experience combined with her passion for continued learning and outdoor recreation will serve her well as the superintendent of Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.” 

DeYoung previously served as the manager of cultural and natural resources, planning, compliance, and lands programs for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. In this role, she engaged in strategic planning, engaged community partners to resolve complex park resource issues and advanced important scholarship on previously unknown and untold stories.  

“The Potomac Heritage Trail provides countless opportunities for people to recreate outside and learn about nature and history,” Jeri DeYoung said. “I look forward to collaborating with the many individuals, partners and communities that are working to expand and improve this incredible trail network. 

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a diverse network of locally-managed trails and routes in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Access to trailheads is possible through a variety of transportation modes, including hiking and biking.  

Dedicating her career to preserving and making accessible natural and cultural resources, DeYoung’s background includes leading the cultural and natural resources program at Cape Lookout National Seashore, managing facilities and cultural and natural resources programs at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, serving as an environmental protection specialist in the Transportation Division at the NPS Denver Service Center, and working as a museum specialist, archeologist and Tribal liaison for the Flagstaff Area National Monuments. DeYoung began her 32 years of federal public service in the western United States as an archeologist and fire fighter for the U.S. Forest Service.  

DeYoung has a Master of Arts in Anthropology from Northern Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Integrated Studies from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. Her academic focus included historic preservation, anthropology, archeology, history and botany. She is also a graduate of the National Park Service Facility Manager Leaders Program.  

She is married and has a 17-year-old daughter, loves being a band mom, and enjoys travel, skiing, horses and working for the National Park Service