New Superintendent of Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Announced

Via an August 10 e-announcement:

Matthew Tucker BlytheNational Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Bert Frost announced the selection of Matthew Tucker Blythe as superintendent of Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in Minnesota. Blythe is currently the Superintendent of Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in Missouri. He assumes his new role September 12. 

“I am pleased to announce Tucker as the superintendent of Mississippi National River,” said Frost. “He has an extensive and successful background working with park gateway communities, partner organizations and tourism partners, and he is a strong leader. His collaborative style and excellent communication skills will serve the park well.” 

“I am honored to be selected as the superintendent of Mississippi National River and Recreation Area,” Blythe said. “I look forward to working closely with park staff, partners and engaging with community members to protect the incredible resources and tell the many stories the park offers. I am excited to join the team and work with the many partners who are passionate stewards of this majestic river. My family and I are looking forward to exploring the Twin Cities and getting to know the surrounding area." 

Blythe has served 24 years in the National Park Service. He has held leadership roles in several parks throughout his career including as acting deputy superintendent at Gateway Arch National Park; superintendent at Washita Battlefield National Historic Site; acting superintendent at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve; historian in the NPS Historic Architecture Division; supervisory ranger at Oklahoma City National Memorial; and chief of interpretation at Frederick Law Olmsted and John F. Kennedy National Historic Site. Outside of the NPS, he spent nine years as a business owner in Newton, Kansas. 

Blythe earned a Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation from Mary Washington College, Virginia, and a Master of Arts in Communication from Wichita State University, Kansas. 

He enjoys photography, architecture, reading, hiking, walking the dog, traveling and trying different foods and beers. Tucker will move to the area with his wife Sandy, whose family is from the area. They are both looking forward to exploring all that the Twin Cities area has to offer. 

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Editor's Note: Matthew is taking over for John Anfinson, who retired at the end of 2020. Those are some big shoes to fill!