Facility Management Division Chief Alan Sumeriski, who has led the park’s facility management workforce since 2007, received this year’s award. It’s not the first time he’s been recognized for his efforts, taking home the park’s Employee of the Year award in 2010.

“Alan consistently provides excellence in leadership for the management of one of the most complex park maintenance operations in the National Park Service, allowing us to serve over 11 million visitors on our roadways, trails, campgrounds and picnic areas each year,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “He is most deserving of this honor and I’m proud to serve with him in the Smokies.”

Sumeriski oversees 150 permanent and seasonal staff who care for 384 miles of roads, 146 bridges, 152 historic cemeteries, 27 water and sewer systems, 10 campgrounds, 11 picnic areas, 848 miles of trails and more than 100 historic structures and landscapes. He has also led major projects such as completion of the Foothills Parkway Missing Link in 2018, construction of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Collections Preservation Center and $100 million worth of infrastructure improvements through 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. Next year, he will lead projects such as rehabilitation of park headquarters and safety improvements to the Foothills Parkway Spur. 

Sumeriski lives in Sevierville, Tennessee, with his wife Kim. There they raised their two daughters, Kasey and Alicia.