New Superintendent Announced!

The Friends of Lake James State Park congratulates Nora Coffey on her recent promotion to super- intendent at the beautiful 3,514-acre state park at the base of the Linville Gorge. Coffey is already a familiar face to many of the park’s regular visitors. She started her career with the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation in 2007 as a journey level ranger at Lake James State Park. Since that time, she has led the park’s interpretation and education program and played an integral part in resource management and volunteer coordination efforts at Lake James. Coffey accepted additional responsibilities and a leadership role when she accepted the advanced ranger position at the park in 2011.

As superintendent, Coffey will oversee day-to-day operation of the park and its eight permanent staff members. She will set priorities for the park’s ongoing development and improvements and make personnel decisions. “I’m thrilled at the opportunity to help guide Lake James State Park during what promises to be an exciting period of expansion and development to benefit our visitors,” said Coffey. “To be able to do so at the park where I started my career means so much to me and my family. Lake James State Park and the communities that support it are very special. I feel so fortunate to play a role in making this park the very best it can be in terms of its recreational opportunities, outdoor education programs, and wildlife resource management goals.”

Coffey earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Forestry, Recreation and Resource Management from Southern Illinois University. She takes over the position vacated by Sean McElhone, who accepted the West District superintendent post in October, 2012.