Community Center

Leadership Shift at Virgin Islands National Park: Fields Heads to EPA, Simmons Steps Up

In a recent announcement from the National Park Service, Scott B. Simmons is set to serve as Acting Superintendent of Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument from July 30, 2023. He will be stepping in for Nigel A. Fields, the outgoing Superintendent, who is set to take up a senior executive position at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Fields, who had been with the NPS since December 2018, has led recovery efforts totaling approximately $50 million on St. John following the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. He permanently assumed the superintendent position in March 2020. Under Field's leadership, numerous recovery projects were initiated and accomplished, including coral reef restoration efforts, the redevelopment of Cinnamon Bay Campground, and the renovation and reopening of the Cruz Bay ballfield and playground. These projects were completed in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation an...