Michael Archer Named Chief Ranger of Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, AZ. – Michael Archer was recently named Chief Ranger of Grand Canyon National Park. He brings both National Park Service (NPS) and private sector experience to his new position.

Mr. Archer first started working in national parks while he was in college, when he was employed by the Yosemite Association. He then began working as a seasonal NPS employee in 1991, serving in Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Monument, and Hawaii Volcanoes and Everglades National Parks over the course of the next three and one-half years. Archer earned his first permanent position with the Park Service in 1995 as a Park Ranger at Shenandoah National Park and quickly followed that up with three years as a Park Ranger at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

After several years in private industry, Archer returned to the National Park Service in 2003 as the South Rim Shift Supervisor at Grand Canyon National Park. Since then, he has held the positions of South Rim District Ranger and Deputy Chief Ranger at the park; and most recently has served as the park’s acting Chief Ranger during a temporary promotion.

“Mike has proven himself to be an excellent leader committed to developing his staff to their fullest potential,” said Superintendent Steve Martin when he announced the decision. “He also has the experience to make knowledgeable and thoughtful management decisions. He will be a great addition to our management team.”

Mr. Archer recently graduated from the FBI National Academy and possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara, a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and is currently working on a Master of Public Administration at Northern Arizona University.

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