Trump Nominates Hospitality Exec to Lead National Park Service

Critics raise concerns over nominee's ties to company with extensive Park Service contracts

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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President Donald Trump has nominated Scott Socha, an executive from the hospitality company Delaware North, to be the next director of the National Park Service. Delaware North holds numerous contracts to provide services in national parks, raising concerns from critics about potential conflicts of interest.

Why it matters

The National Park Service has faced significant budget cuts and staffing reductions under the Trump administration, leading to concerns about the agency's ability to fulfill its mission of preserving America's natural and cultural heritage. The nomination of a hospitality executive with ties to the agency he would oversee raises questions about the administration's priorities for the parks.

The details

Socha currently serves as the president of parks and resorts at Delaware North, a privately-owned hospitality company that generates over $4 billion in annual revenue and provides services in at least six national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Shenandoah. The company has more than 40,000 employees worldwide. Socha has been with Delaware North since 1999 and will continue in his current role while his nomination is pending.

  • Trump nominated Socha for the National Park Service director position in late February 2026.
  • The Senate must confirm Socha's nomination.

The players

Scott Socha

President of parks and resorts at Delaware North, a hospitality company that holds extensive contracts with the National Park Service.

Delaware North

A privately-owned hospitality and entertainment company that generates over $4 billion in annual revenue and provides services in at least six national parks.

Theresa Pierno

President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, an advocacy group.

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What they’re saying

“If confirmed, he must put the Park Service's mission first, stand up for park staff, fill critical vacancies and halt attacks on our nation's history.”

— Theresa Pierno, President and CEO, National Parks Conservation Association

What’s next

The Senate must confirm Socha's nomination before he can assume the role of National Park Service director.

The takeaway

The nomination of a hospitality executive with ties to the National Park Service raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the administration's priorities for the agency, which has faced significant budget cuts and staffing reductions in recent years.