WA state parks announces new director

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced on March 16 the appointment of the agency’s first female director since the agency was established more than 100 years ago.

Diana Dupuis, selected after a nationwide search for a new director, is currently the region manager in Spokane. Her first day as director will be April 1, according to the release.

“Diana is a strategic leader with extensive experience in parks. She has dedicated more than 14 years to our agency,” said Parks Commission chairman, Mark O. Brown. “I am pleased to welcome Diana as the new director. She has a deep understanding of our agency, and I am confident that her expertise will help us achieve our goals.”

According to the release, Dupuis previously served as a park ranger, LEAN practitioner, area manager and operations manager. Prior to joining Parks, she worked as an adjunct faculty member at Green River Community College in the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Criminal Justice. Dupuis also served on the special operations response team with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner office.

“I am honored to serve as the next director for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and am grateful for the confidence the Commission has placed in me,” said Dupuis. “I’m excited to work with the Commission, staff, partners, elected officials and members of the public to continue growing our agency and creating welcoming recreational opportunities for all visitors.”

The release states, as director, Dupuis will serve as the leader for one of the country’s most beautiful and diverse park systems that include more than 120,000 acres, 124 developed parks, numerous properties, several heritage sites and a team of nearly 1,000 staff.

Dupuis’ educational background includes a master’s degree in Anthropology from California State University, Los Angeles and a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. She grew up in Indiana and Michigan and spent her childhood immersed in the outdoors year-round, the release said.

Dupuis enjoys snowshoeing, hiking, running, bird watching and camping with her wife, daughter and stepson.