Charles Sams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chuck Sams
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Official portrait, 2022
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| 19th Director of the National Park Service | |
| In office December 16, 2021 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Jonathan Jarvis |
| Succeeded by | Jessica Bowron (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charles F. Sams III
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| Education | Concordia University (BA) University of Oklahoma (MLS) |
| Military service | |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1988–1992 |
| Rank | Intelligence Specialist |
| Unit | Medium Attack Squadron 155 |
| Wars | Gulf War |
Charles F. Sams III is an American expert in protecting nature. He is a member of the Cayuse and Walla Walla tribes. From 2021 to 2025, he was the 19th leader of the National Park Service (NPS). He was also part of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Sams made history as the first Native American to lead the NPS.
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Early Life and Education
Chuck Sams grew up in Pendleton, Oregon. His ancestor, Peo Peo Mox Mox, was a leader of the Walla Walla tribe. Peo Peo Mox Mox signed a treaty that created the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
Sams finished high school at Pendleton High School in 1988. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business from Concordia University in 2003. In 2020, he received a Master of Legal Studies degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.
Early Career and Public Service
From 1988 to 1992, Sams served in the United States Navy. He worked as an intelligence specialist, gathering and analyzing important information. He was part of different units, including the Defense Intelligence Agency Headquarters.
After his time in the Navy, Sams worked for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. He was a data analyst and a spokesperson. He helped explain how the Dawes Allotment Act of 1887 caused tribal lands to be divided and sold.
Sams also worked to protect the environment. He was an executive director for the Earth Conservation Corps. From 2003 to 2004, he led the Community Energy Project. He also served on the Columbia Slough Watershed Council. From 2006 to 2010, he directed the tribal and native lands program at the Trust for Public Land. This organization helps protect natural spaces.
Before leading the NPS, Sams held other important roles. He worked with the Umatilla Tribal Community Foundation. He also worked with the Indian Country Conservancy. In April 2021, Oregon Governor Kate Brown chose him to join the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.
Leading the National Park Service
On November 18, 2021, Chuck Sams was chosen to be the director of the National Park Service. Everyone agreed on his appointment. He officially started his role on December 16, 2021. As a member of the Cayuse and Walla Walla tribes, he was the first Native American to hold this important position.
As the NPS director, Sams focused on making national parks easier for everyone to visit. He used money from the Great American Outdoors Act to improve accessibility. In 2022, he also shared plans to improve how the NPS tells the history of Native American people in its educational materials. His term as director ended in January 2025.
See also
- List of members of the American Legion
