Congratulations to GSMNP’s Charlie Sellers
To the Editor:
Last month, Charlie Sellers was appointed to lead the Smokies — an achievement well-earned. A Haywood County native, Charlie began his career with the National Park Service as a draftsman for the Blue Ridge Parkway. He later served as deputy chief of facilities for Great Smoky Mountains National Park — our park — steadily rising through the ranks to this latest leadership role.
We are fortunate to have a local voice representing what is often called the “forgotten side” of the park. I had the pleasure of sharing dinner with Charlie last year and discovered we have many mutual friends. I am confident he will accomplish great things for the Smokies.
Under his leadership, I am hopeful that unallocated funds from the Park It Forward campaign will be directed toward long-overdue priorities, including repairs to Heintooga and Straight Fork roads, which have remained closed since Hurricane Helene. I also hope to see investment in the restoration and reopening of Mingus Mill, which has been listed as “temporarily” closed since 2022. These treasured places in North Carolina deserve timely attention and preservation.
We are fortunate to have you at the helm, Charlie. We look forward to your leadership and to the future of Great Smoky Mountains National Park under your direction. Welcome home.
Jerry DeWeese
Sylva
