The nonprofit’s board of directors chose Soehn after spending months reviewing more than 150 qualified candidates with the national executive search firm Potrero Group. Soehn has a “deep connection and dedication to the park” and has developed “an extraordinary career in the region and in the National Park Service,” said Board of Directors Chair Sharon Pryse. 

“Her experience and vision guarantee Friends will continue to make a profoundly meaningful and lasting impact on our beloved park,” Pryse added. 

Soehn succeeds Tim Chandler, who left in September 2022 for a position with Flatrock Motorsports Park after leading the organization since November 2018.

“The Friends of the Smokies and I both share a 30-year investment in this remarkable park that I call home,” said Soehn. “As we approach the 100th anniversary of the park in 2034, I am excited to grow support and stewardship that helps ensure a healthy future for our park into the next century.” 

Soehn, who currently serves as park spokesperson and management assistant in the Superintendent’s Office, began working for the park as a college intern in 1989. Since then, her roles have included biological technician, Parks as Classrooms coordinator and volunteer coordinator. She has been a member of the management team for the past decade, representing the park with congressional delegations, community leaders, descendant groups and partners in North Carolina and Tennessee. 

In addition to her work in the Smokies, she has served in leadership roles for the NPS as the acting assistant regional director for communications and legislative affairs and as the acting chief of public affairs and chief spokesperson for the NPS. As the park’s longtime liaison with Friends of the Smokies, she has a strong understanding of philanthropic partnership opportunities. Soehn earned a Master of Science Degree in wildlife and fisheries resources from West Virginia University in 1995.

She starts her new job Monday, April 3, and will continue to live in Gatlinburg with her husband Heath, a retired park ranger. Their two adult sons Grant and Garrett live in Nashville. 

Since 1993, Friends of the Smokies has raised more than $80 million to fund historic preservation, wildlife management, environmental education and more in the park. It has offices in Asheville and Kodak, Tennessee.