Friends of the Smokies, official National Park Service (NPS) philanthropic partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) announces Dana Soehn, as the new executive director and president. Soehn was selected from a pool of 150 highly qualified candidates and will begin her new role in April 2023.
Dana is a 30-year veteran of the NPS and has served as part of the GSMNP management and leadership team for the last ten years, representing the park with congressional delegations, community leaders, descendant groups, and partners. She has a wealth of knowledge regarding park needs and, as the longtime liaison with the Friends, has a strong understanding of philanthropic partnership opportunities. has extensive experience in building community relationships, creating private-public partnership opportunities, developing strategic communications, and coordinating large events.
