September 26, 2025: Woodstock, VT and Cornish, NH – Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller and Saint-Gaudens National Historical Parks are proud to celebrate the achievements of three outstanding team members whose work exemplifies the mission and values of the National Park Service.
Kelly Fox, Clara McNamara, and Kieran Kelly have each received prestigious awards for excellence in their respective fields, reflecting their contributions to park operations, visitor experience, and cultural resource stewardship.
Administrative Officer Kelly Fox has been named the 2025 recipient of the National Park Service Director’s Award for Administration Leader of the Year, a national honor recognizing visionary leadership, innovation, and commitment to administrative excellence. Fox provides administrative oversight for six NPS units across four states.
“Kelly is an exceptional supervisor, mentor, and leader who works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our parks running smoothly,” said Superintendent Rick Kendall. “Her expertise and problem-solving skills are recognized both regionally and nationally.”
Budget Analyst Clara McNamara was honored with the 2024 Director’s Award for Excellence in Customer Service, which celebrates individuals who consistently deliver outstanding service through effective communication, responsiveness, and collaboration.
“Clara’s unwavering commitment to fostering camaraderie, empathy, and effective communication across teams reflects her outstanding dedication to customer service excellence,” said Kendall.
Facility Management Specialist Kieran Kelly received the 2024 Northeast Region Award for Excellence in Cultural Resource Management & Stewardship for his work preserving heirloom apple trees at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, including a variety with no modern analog. Working with orchard geneticists, he identified the genetic heritage of the park’s unique heirloom varieties and developed partnerships to propagate their descendants for long-term preservation.
“Kieran’s work has forged connections between hands-on horticulture and the science of genetics to ensure the long-term viability of many of the park’s iconic tree species,” said Kendall.
These awards underscore the vital role of park management professionals in advancing the mission of the National Park Service and ensuring the success of park operations nationwide.