Salem, Oregon – In a moment that captured years of steadfast leadership and quiet dedication, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Sumption was presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) earlier this month. The surprise recognition came during the NASPD’s annual conference and celebrates Sumption’s outstanding contributions to Oregon’s state parks and the larger state parks community.
“I am truly honored,” OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said. “I am thankful for all the amazing staff at OPRD who make this possible every single day. Their dedication, professionalism and genuine passion for our parks and communities continues to inspire me. There is no one else I would rather serve alongside.”
The award follows a heartfelt nomination from OPRD staff, volunteers, and key partners who commended Sumption’s long-standing commitment to transparency, trust, and fiscal responsibility. Those who work closely with her noted her tireless focus on building a long-term strategic vision for Oregon Parks and Recreation, especially in areas of sustainability and public engagement.
Trailblazing Tenure and Unwavering Leadership
Sumption became the first woman to lead Oregon Parks and Recreation Department ten years ago, and has spent 18 years in service to the agency. During her tenure as director, she has steered the organization through some of its most trying times, including the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the destruction caused by historic wildfires.
Her leadership has not only focused on managing crises, but also on building for the future. Most recently, she initiated a bold new effort titled “Reimagine Oregon State Parks,” which aims to ensure a more financially secure and sustainable future for the state’s park system.
“Oregonians are fortunate to have Lisa Sumption at the helm of our state park system, managing and protecting our most valued assets,” said Elizabeth Hill, chair of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission. “Over the last two decades, she has provided steadfast and humble leadership for the organization through incredibly trying times. She fights hard to protect the services and assets we all enjoy when visiting our state parks. She also prioritizes planning for the future, ensuring generations after us get to experience the same beautiful places in meaningful ways. We are so grateful she has dedicated her talents to serving the people of the great State of Oregon.”
The Distinguished Service Award is one of the highest honors given by NASPD, an organization that brings together state park directors from across the country and U.S. territories to support the stewardship of America’s public lands. Lisa Sumption also serves on NASPD’s Board of Directors, further amplifying Oregon’s voice in national conversations around parks, conservation, and community engagement.
