A new superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa has been selected. Paul “PT” Lathrop replaces former superintendent Scott Birch.
This will be a return to familiar ground for PT. Earlier this year, he completed a detail at NPSA, working closely with staff and community partners.
PT brings a wealth of experience in interpretation, education, and leadership. He began his NPS career as a seasonal ranger at Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Denali, and Pinnacles, and later served as a supervisory ranger at Arches, Canyonlands, and Great Smoky Mountains.
Most recently, he served as chief of interpretation, education, outreach, and volunteers at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, where he built a thriving education program that reached over 20,000 students annually—entirely supported through philanthropy.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental history and a master’s degree focused on the history of the NPS, both from Colorado State University. He is also a proud member of the Grand Canyon River Guides Association.
Known for his love of river trips, storytelling, and music that lifts the spirit, PT is excited to return to NPSA and work alongside staff, village leaders, and partners to steward one of the most ecologically and culturally significant parks in the system.
