During his 30 years in the National Park Service (NPS), David Vela led efforts at the park, regional, and national level to protect our nation’s most special places while engaging youth and underserved communities. Vela was the first Latino to be nominated by the president of the United States to serve as director of the NPS. Prior to his retirement in September 2020, he served as deputy director, exercising the authority of the director. Vela serves on nonprofit boards and is a public speaker inspiring the next generation of diverse conservation stewards, advocates, and workforce. He is the founder and president of Vela Heritage Consulting, LLC, providing leadership guidance and consulting with park and protected area leaders across the country and abroad. Vela is the recipient of numerous national awards both within and outside of the NPS for leadership and performance excellence. He is the author of Hola Ranger, My Journey Through The National Parks.