Trump Nominates National Park Service Executive for Director Role

Nominee Scott Socha has extensive contracts with the agency he would lead.

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 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 preservation of national parks and their historical and environmental exhibits. Socha's nomination raises questions about whether he will prioritize the agency's mission or the interests of his former employer.

The details

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

  • President Trump nominated Socha for the National Park Service director role on February 12, 2026.
  • The Senate must confirm Socha's nomination.

The players

Scott Socha

The president for parks and resorts at Delaware North, a large hospitality company that holds numerous contracts with the National Park Service.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who nominated Socha for the National Park Service director role.

National Park Service

The U.S. federal agency responsible for managing and preserving the country's national parks and monuments.

Delaware North

A large hospitality company that provides services in at least six national parks and has over $4 billion in annual revenue.

Theresa Pierno

The director of the National Parks Conservation Association, an advocacy group that is ready to work with Socha but wants him to reverse recent policies and put the Park Service's mission first.

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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, Director, National Parks Conservation Association (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The Senate must confirm Socha's nomination for him to become the next director of the National Park Service.

The takeaway

Socha's nomination raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest given his long tenure at a company that holds numerous contracts with the National Park Service. His confirmation will be closely watched to see if he prioritizes the agency's mission over the interests of his former employer.