Our treasured Park Manager, Katherine “Katie” Shepard has taken a new position with Virginia State Parks as the Chief of Education and Interpretation. Katie will give leadership to programs designed to provide visitors with meaningful and engaging experiences that deepen their understanding and appreciation of the natural, cultural, and historic world. A big job – our Katie can do it!
Katie came to Belle Isle in 2013 as Chief Ranger and in 2019 was appointed Park Manager. She has done a superb job shepherding (pun intended, sorry Katie) Belle Isle through some challenging times. The great displays she designed in the Visitor Center and her hard work in securing a huge National Park Service grant for Belle Isle Manor are just two examples of her excellence.
Our Friends group, and many others, have relied heavily on her guidance – she never seems to tire of going the extra mile. Needless to say, she will be much missed! But we are excited for her. Now all Virginia’s 41 parks will have the benefit of her energy and wisdom.
A large group of friends turned out on December 14th to wish Katie all the best.
GO KATIE!
FRIENDS OF BELLE ISLE STATE PARK 