Lee Taylor, a 30-year career employee of the National Park Service, was selected last week to serve as Olympic National Park’s next deputy superintendent.

Taylor is superintendent of San Juan Island National Historical Park, where she’s served for the past three years.

She fills the position formerly held by Todd Suess, who was named superintendent of Mojave National Preserve earlier this year.

Taylor worked for 11 years at Mount Rainier National Park overseeing the park’s interpretation, education and volunteer programs. She began her career as a student intern in 1984 at Yosemite National Park and presented or managed interpretation and education programs at seven other parks from Alaska to Virginia before arriving at Mount Rainier in 2001.

“Lee is a proven leader with a strong background in both park operations and the Pacific Northwest,” Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said. “I am very pleased to have Lee join our staff and community.”

Taylor joins the park staff in her new position in mid-September.

“Olympic National Park, with its mountains, coastline, old-growth forest and human history, is a spectacular place,” Taylor said. “I am excited to work with the park’s staff and partners to help manage and protect it for future generations.”

Olympic National Park was established in 1938 and protects 922,651 acres, nearly 95 percent of which is designated wilderness. More than 200 employees help protect and maintain the park’s resources, and provide services and facilities for more than 3 million visitors each year.