Local Leader: Tucker Blythe, Superintendent, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

Article by Becky Fillinger

Superintendent Blythe TuckerTucker Blythe will assume the role of Superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area on September 12. We talked to him about his lifelong interest in parks and what drew him to Minnesota. 

Q:  Congratulations on your new role! Please tell us about your earliest memories and interest in pursuing a career in the parks.  

A:  As a kid, my family traveled to national and state parks and spent a lot of time outdoors and visiting historic sites. When I went to college, I knew I wanted to pursue something related to history and historic sites. I discovered historic preservation as a major and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation from Mary Washington College, in Fredericksburg, VA. It was really my undergraduate advisor who directed me to the National Park Service (NPS) and my first seasonal appointment. Once I was in the NPS, I knew it was work that filled my soul. I’ve been lucky to have several wonderful positions and posts in the National Park Service. 

Q: What drew you to pursue this Superintendent position? 

A: There are several reasons why I pursued this particular position. First, I love that this park is such a collaborative, relationship-based park. I felt that my experiences and skill sets could help the park grow and allow me to continue to develop as a servant leader. I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and my formative years were connected to the Mississippi River. My wife Sandy is a Minnesota native, born in Coon Rapids, so the Mississippi River has connected us and been a theme in both our lives. We are really excited to again be close to family. Even though I’m not native to Minnesota, it’s my happy place, and I am looking forward to making it home.

Tucker with his wife Sandy at the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Q:  You mention the GOAL Leadership Academy in your profiles. What is it? 

A:  GOAL Leadership Academy is a leadership development program for NPS employees. The program started in Grand Canyon National Park, but now it is a program for all mid-level NPS employees. I went through GOAL in 2011-12. The major emphasis in the program is growing self-awareness so that participants can be leaders wherever they happen to be situated in the organization. I know as I went through the program, I was able to see more clearly what I could contribute to the park service as a public servant.  

Q:  What innovative programs from your prior appointments will you consider for your new role? 

A:  This is a tough question for me. I don’t know that I have any set idea of something I want to bring to the park from my previous appointments. What I want is to be open to the strengths that my staff and our partners already have and figure out how to enhance their ability to use those strengths. I love collaborating and brainstorming, so who knows what kind of creative ideas and synergy we will create. I’m looking forward to that!