Jerry Case, a 32-year veteran of the National Park Service has been named superintendent of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Wyoming and Montana, according to Intermountain Regional Director Mike Snyder. Case will assume his new position in early October. 


In making the announcement, Snyder said, “Jerry is an experienced manager who brings tremendous leadership qualities to the Intermountain Region. He has a strong commitment and willingness to chart a new direction in protecting and enhancing our natural and cultural resources, and will be a welcome addition to the superintendents’ ranks.”


Case currently serves as Chief of Regulations and Special Park Uses at NPS headquarters in Washington, DC. In this position, he has been instrumental in finalizing the Service’s national boating, personal watercraft and off-road vehicle regulations, as well as winter use planning for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.


His superior work was commended by Yellowstone Management Assistant John Sacklin, who called Case’s performance in Washington “a key, behind-the-scenes success story.”


Case has held several management and field positions with the NPS. He began his career as a seasonal laborer at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (UT), and he has held a number of ranger positions at NPS sites including Isle Royale (MI), Everglades (FL), North Cascades (WA), and Glacier Bay (AK) National Parks, and Gulf Islands National Seashore (FL). Case also served as the chief ranger and acting superintendent at Pinnacles National Monument (CA) and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park (HI), before taking his present job in Washington.


Case said he looks forward to focusing his attention and energies back to managing a park site and working with its local community.


“I am excited about the opportunity at Bighorn Canyon and looking forward to building relationships and working with the local communities, partners and constituents toward common goals,” Case said.
A native of Michigan, Jerry graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in education. He and his wife, Shawn, are avid athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.


As superintendent of Bighorn Canyon NRA, Case will be responsible for managing 120,296 acres, a staff of approximately 53, and an annual operating budget of more than $3,138,000. Upon his arrival at Bighorn Canyon, Case will assist with hiring a new permanent superintendent for Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (MT), which has been managed by a series of acting superintendents.