Experienced Professional Fills New Spot as Arkansas State Parks Deputy Director
Shea Lewis Will Assist with Day to Day Management of 52 State Parks
January 19, 2018 (Little Rock, AR)
With 20 years under his belt as an Arkansas State Park employee, Shea Lewis is now the department’s first deputy director – working as second in command to ASP Director Grady Spann.
“Shea Lewis is the Renaissance man of State Parks,” said Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Executive Director Kane Webb. “He’s filled so many roles; from park superintendent to regional manager and even interim manager at War Memorial Stadium. Shea is a natural and ideal fit for his new role.”
Lewis started his career with ASP as an interpreter at both Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park and Crowley’s Ridge State Park. He was promoted to superintendent at Parkin Archeological State Park in 2004 and then served as a regional supervisor for the past eight years.
“Shea Lewis has been an integral part of the parks leadership team for many years,” said Spann. “Through his experience as a park professional, he has a proven record of solid guidance and decision making. He’s worked at multiple levels in the system; most recently as acting operations manager. Shea will have a tremendous impact on how Arkansas State Parks are managed by overseeing maintenance, interpretation, and daily operations. I look forward to his contributions to our parks and the state of Arkansas.”
Lewis received a Bachelor’s Degree in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies from the University of Memphis and a Master’s Degree in Educational/Instructional Media Design from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
“I’m excited to serve our guests, parks, and employees in this new capacity,” said Lewis. “Arkansas State Parks has a great tradition of protecting and managing the resources entrusted to us, as well as offering memorable experiences. It is my goal to continue that tradition while implementing innovative ways to guarantee relevancy for the next generation of park guests.”
Lewis lives in Hot Springs with his wife Sebrena of 22 years and their children: 14-year-old Gracie, 12-year-old Anna and 10-year-old William.
About Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas state parks and museums cover 54,400 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities and unique historic and cultural resources. The system includes 1,100 buildings (including 183 historic structures), six National Historic Landmarks, a National Natural Landmark and 16 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.
About Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas state parks and museums cover 54,400 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities and unique historic and cultural resources. The system includes 1,100 buildings (including 183 historic structures), six National Historic Landmarks, a National Natural Landmark and 16 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.
The state parks have 1,800 camp sites, 1,050 picnic sites, 208 cabins, five lodges, and 415 miles of trails. Eight million visitors annually come from all regions of the country. Park staffs provide over 42,000 education programs, activities and special events to more than 700,000 participants each year.
Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism, and provide leadership in resource conservation.