Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller and Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park Staff Celebrated for Excellence in Stewardship and Administration

Contact: Rainey McKenna

Woodstock, VT and Cornish, NH - Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller and Saint-Gaudens National Historical Parks are proud to celebrate the achievements of three outstanding team members whose work exemplifies the mission and values of the National Park Service.

Kelly Fox, Clara McNamara, and Kieran Kelly have each received prestigious awards for excellence in their respective fields, reflecting their outstanding contributions to park operations, visitor experience, and cultural resource stewardship.

Administrative Officer Kelly Fox has been named the 2025 recipient of the National Park Service Director's Award for Administration Leader of the Year. This national honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate visionary leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to administrative excellence.

Fox provides administrative oversight for six NPS units across four states, ensuring seamless coordination and operational success in a complex, multi-park environment.

"Kelly is an exceptional supervisor, mentor, and leader who works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our parks running smoothly," said Superintendent Rick Kendall. "Her expertise and problem-solving skills are recognized both regionally and nationally."

In addition to this year's recognition, the parks also celebrate two team members who were honored in 2024 for their outstanding service and stewardship.

Budget Analyst Clara McNamara was honored with the 2024 Director's Award for Excellence in Customer Service, which celebrates individuals who consistently deliver outstanding service through effective communication, responsiveness, and collaboration.

McNamara is known for her meticulous attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to foster strong working relationships across teams.

"Clara's unwavering commitment to fostering camaraderie, empathy, and effective communication across teams reflects her outstanding dedication to customer service excellence," said Kendall. "She exemplifies the highest standards of public service, and we are fortunate to have her on our team."

Facility Management Specialist Kieran Kelly received the 2024 Northeast Region Award for Excellence in Cultural Resource Management & Stewardship for his innovative work preserving heirloom apple trees at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park.

Over the past several years, Kelly has worked closely with orchard geneticists to identify the genetic heritage of the unique heirloom apple varieties, including a variety with no modern analog. He has also worked to develop partnerships with horticultural professionals to propagate genetic descendants of many park trees to ensure their long-term preservation.

"Kieran's work has forged connections between hands on horticulture and the science of genetics to ensure the long-term viability of many of the park's iconic tree species," said Kendall. "We are thankful to have employees like Kieran who are so forward-thinking in their preservation approaches."

These awards underscore the vital role of park management professionals in advancing the mission of the National Park Service and ensuring the success of park operations nationwide.