The National Park of American Samoa on Friday announced the retirement of Superintendent Scott Burch, who has held the position for 10 years.
An announcement from the National Park said, during his tenure, Superintendent Burch has made significant contributions to preserving the park’s natural and cultural heritage through building community partnerships, conservation projects, visitor experience enhancements, tripling the number of federal National Park jobs held by Samoans and ensuring a Samoan voice is present in all park planning and actions.
Cultural Liaison Pua Tuaua said, “Superintendent Scott always follow the Samoan proverb, Ua fetaui elei fola o le alia, which means great things can be accomplished if everyone works together. So much of what the park has accomplished in the last 10 years is because of his understanding of Samoan ways and culture.”
After 2 decades working in the non-profit and outdoor recreation industries, Superintendent Burch joined National Park Service in December 2008.
“In 2008, I sold my company in Hawaii and joined the NPS with one goal in mind, to someday work with the great people at the National Park of American Samoa. In 2015, I got lucky and finally moved to my dream job in American Samoa” Superintendent Burch said.
“As I head home to Hawaii, I would like to extend my gratitude to the many partners and friends I have worked with over the years. Fa’afetai tele lava!”
Before arriving in American Samoa, Burch worked at Denali National Park in Alaska, and Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.
The staff of the National Park of American Samoa and the wider NPS community extend their heartfelt gratitude to Superintendent Burch for his years of dedication and leadership.
He leaves behind a legacy of stewardship and inspiration that will guide the park for years to come.
