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Natural Resource Challenge addresses natural resource protection needs
by Abigail Miller and Douglas K. Morris
Thrusts of the Natural Resource Challenge
Resources Careers implemented
by Kathy M. Davis
Natural resources law and policy course revived for superintendents
by Carol McCoy, Bob Karotko, and Sharon Kliwinski
SUWA case has ramifications for NPS management policies
by Chick Fagan
NPS establishes environmental leadership program
by Shawn Norton and Dan Kimball
From local to regional: A new focus for air resources protection
by Bruce Polkowsky
| Award-Winner Profile |
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 Kathy Davis honored for contributions to Resources CareersKathy M. Davis, chief of resource management with the Southern Arizona Office (Phoenix), is the recipient of the Director's Award for Natural Resource Management. Given in September 1999, the award recognizes her leadership in the development and implementation of the NPS Resources Careers initiative. Under Kathy's leadership, the Resources Careers task force conceived, developed, and completed professional, career-ladder position descriptions and classification evaluation statements in natural and cultural resource series and interdisciplinary series. Her efforts affect every resource manager in the National Park Service by creating a framework for professionalization and success. Additionally, Kathy serves as an effective resource manager for 10 small parks in southern Arizona. Kathy was humbled by the award and the realization that it marked the completion of a long, difficult, and crucial project. Asked to chair Resources Careers in 1994, Kathy did not "fully comprehend the size of the task ahead. From the start," she says, "there were delays and uncertainty with money and support. What kept us going were the hopes and expectations of resources staff for career improvements, a growing recognition of professional expertise needed in the National Park Service, and the dedication of committee members. While the award was given to me as chairperson, many clever, hardworking people were involved." Kathy hopes that Resources Careers "becomes institutionalized as the foundation for career paths to management or expertise in a resources field," but regrets that it was implemented without funding. "We need more high-level managers and specialists with academic expertise and credentials in resources and science to carry out the mission of the National Park Service." Kathy's work as resource manager with the Southern Arizona Office has also been satisfying. Since 1985 she has seen resource management staff for southern Arizona parks increase from three to more than 25. "It has been rewarding to watch the natural and cultural resources program grow and become more professional over the years," Kathy says. She considers Bill Halvorson of the USGS Sonoran Desert Field Station a tireless and caring colleague who has enhanced this professionalism and helped improve regional science and management in the national parks. |
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This material is from Natural Resource Year in Review--1999; published by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, August 2000 (publication D-1406)
/YearInReview/yir/yir99/pages/01horizons/07davis_award.htm
Last Updated: 09/26/00
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