Eastern National 2025 Award Winners
Photos (Left to right. Use the arrows to navigate): Andy Danneker – Interpretation and Education Program Manager at Blue Ridge Parkway; Lauren Gurniewicz – Chief of Interpretation at Independence NHP; Jason Ginder – Deputy Chief of Interpretation at Independence NHP; Stephanie Jacob – Supervisory Park Ranger at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens; Simone Monteleone – Park Superintendent at Minute Man NHP; Stephen Viet (NPS) & Tess Jensen (EN) – Grand Portage NM; The EN Team at El Portal de El Yunque; Megan Shelley – Chief Operating Officer at Eastern National.
FY2025 Superior Performance Awards
The Superior Performance Awards recognize outstanding partner management of an Eastern National agency. These awards are presented to the top four outstanding partner personnel regardless of agency size.
Andy Danneker, Interpretation and Education Program Manager at Blue Ridge Parkway
In his first year, Andy navigated the unprecedented devastation of Hurricane Helene with exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication. He collaborated with EN’s management to reopen visitor centers and ensure ranger coverage when payroll could not be supported by sales. During the government shutdown, Andy also communicated with EN and other partners to stay open, often providing critical road and trail updates to protect staff and visitors. Through his efforts, Andy not only stabilized operations on the Blue Ridge Parkway but also increased NPS visibility in the field.
Lauren Gurniewicz, Chief of Interpretation, Independence NHP
Jason Ginder, Deputy Chief of Interpretation, Independence NHP
When Lauren and Jason proposed a new store within the East Wing of Independence Hall, they met with EN and NPS personnel to align priorities and ensure historical building compliance. Soon, fresh fixtures,America 250 licensed merchandise, and replicas of the Declaration of Independence appeared in the former staging area. Thanks to Lauren and Jason’s action, the new East Wing store has increased overall park revenue!
Stephanie Jacob, Supervisory Park Ranger at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
Since arriving at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens in early 2024, Stephanie has impacted the EN team through product recommendations and assisting with interpretive text to enhance the visitor experience.During the annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival in July, Stephanie coordinated with the EN team to better serve the crowds.
Simone Monteleone, Park Superintendent at Minute Man NHP
In April, visitors gathered at Minute Man NHP to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard around the world.” Simone coordinated day long programming, including a USPS Day of Issue Stamp Ceremony at North Bridge, a Patriot Vigil with distinguished guests from the British Counsel, and a Battle Road tactical demonstration, working with EN to support these visitor experiences with educational products.
The 2025 Charles S. Marshall Unit Award
The Charles S. Marshall Unit Award recognizes an outstanding agency that has achieved noteworthy teamwork in promoting and aiding the historical, scientific, educational, interpretive and operational activities of our partners through Eastern National operations.
The 2025 Charles S. Marshall Unit Award is awarded to Grand Portage NM: Superintendent Heather Boyd; Acting Lead Park Ranger/Interpretation Stephen Veit; Ranger and Historical Advisor Karl Koster; Administrative Officer Theresa Donovan; Ranger Gilane Spoto; and EN Site Manager Tess Jensen.
The NPS and EN teams at Grand Portage NM exemplify the impact of positive collaboration—what’s possible when teams work together and share their interests, goals, and perspective to co-create. NPS staff at Grand Portage NM connected EN with local Indigenous artists to develop products while posting bilingual signage in Ojibwe and English for plush displays. NPS staff further fostered a belonging environment by including EN Site Manager Tess Jensen in training, events, and lending her a 17th century-inspired dress to wear during Rendezvous Days. Whether discussing merchandise for a new moose exhibit or converting a manual store operation to a point-of-sale system (during a winter storm!), the relationship between Grand Portage NM and EN reflects a partnership built on mutual support and a shared responsibility to visitors of America’s national parks.
FY2025 Special Achievement Awards
We recognize Eastern National team members who went above and beyond in FY25 to achieve our shared goals with our 2025 priorities.
Sheila Dillingham, Store Manager at BRP Visitor Center & Folk Art Center for her welcoming nature and excellence in customer service, team member engagement, and driving results during a challenging year on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Loretta Perry, Site Manager at Andersonville NHS and Jimmy Carter NHP, for supporting the “Traveling Trunk” program and events at Andersonville NHS, as well as assisting at Jimmy Carter NHP so partners couldfocus on commemorating the former president upon his passing.
Paul Tiemann, Store Manager at Minute Man NHP and Lowell NHP, for advanced planning of products and staffing needs during America 250 events.
Ken Williams, Site Manager for Selma to Montgomery NHT, for his professionalism and excellence in customer service while managing the move of the site’s visitor center.
Cat Dyson, Store Design Coordinator, for her creative support and quick action during new and temporary store openings
Cathy King, Store Manager at Adams NHP, for excellence in customer service, park partnerships, and supporting anniversary events.
Steven Trimmer, Store Manager for Statue of Liberty NM and Ellis Island, for his patience, leadership, and perseverance while achieving notable milestones with store, HQ, and partner relationships.
Amy Devaisher, Store Manager at Lincoln Home NHS, for her collaborative work at multiple stores as a peer-trainer for five new managers and the Regional Manager, as well as her role as a STAR inventory teammember.
Ashley Almassy, Store Associate, and Emily Williams, Lead Store Associate, at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP for exceptional service, adaptability, and unwavering of the NPS during the 2025 government shutdown.
Alecia Harrison, Store Manager at Vicksburg NMP, for collaborating with Vicksburg NMP’s visitor center and the USS Cairo Museum to ensure staffing and visitor needs are met.
Lyne Bradley, Regional Manager for Midwest, for extraordinary efforts with ERP and POS implementation and support during NPS staffing shortages.
FY2025 Customer Service Award
This award recognizes an Eastern National store or operations team that has provided outstanding customer service as recognized by visitors, agency partners, and Eastern National leadership.
This year’s Customer Service Award is presented to: El Portal de El Yunque. Special recognition goes to the local leadership team: Taymi Maldonado Arroyo – Assistant Regional Manager, Josean Maldonado – Operations Manager, and Yaritza Bobonis Vazquez – Assistant Operations Manager.
The Forest Service Public Staff Officer, David Ilse, states, “From my observation the standard and new norm has been set high by Taymi, Josean, and Yaritza. Every day I have seen them lead by example.” The entire team’s approach to creating a warm and welcoming environment ensures that every visitor to El Portal receives a personal connection with an EN team member.
FY2025 Special Achievement Award
From August 2024 through April 2025, Megan Shelley served as acting President & CEO. Megan led the organization at a time of significant change, which included upgrading ERP and POS systems, moving Eastern National’s headquarters, planning for America 250, a change in leadership at Outer Banks Forever, and along with other strategic initiatives. This was all done while also serving in the role of Chief Operating Officer.
During this time, Megan provided steady leadership, ensured continuity of operations, and maintained focus on our strategic priorities. Eastern National’s board of directors is grateful for Megan’s commitment and professionalism during this important period.
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