Washington State Parks Director Don Hoch
A commitment to collaboration and creativity has garnered national recognition, as well as an award, for Washington State Parks Director Don Hoch.
On Sept. 7, Hoch was awarded a Distinguished Service Award by the National Association of State Park Directors during an annual meeting in Missoula, Montana.
“It is great to recognize the amazing professionals who give of themselves to America’s state parks,” said NASPD President Domonic Bravo in a press release.
Hoch latched on with Washington State Parks in 2004 as the Puget Sound region director. He has served as director of the state parks department since 2010. All together, Hoch has more than 40 years of experience in the parks and recreation field, including work with city, county, state, federal and private sector interests. That work has taken him to nine different states and includes stints helping out the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
In Washington, Hoch’s work has included the NASPD Annual Capital Campout and the “First Day of Hikes” held each year on New Year’s Day in many Washington state parks. He was also key to the development and implementation of the “No Child Left Inside” program, which strives to promote youth engagement with the outdoors.
In his career, Hoch has received numerous leadership and community awards. Those awards include the Georgia State Park Superintendent of the Year, the Historic Heartland Travel Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Outdoor Section and Aquatics Section Distinguished Professional awards, the American Cancer Society Circle of Friends Award and the Georgia Friend of 4-H Award.
“We’re pleased and proud for Don and feel that this national award is very well-deserved,” said Mark Brown, chairman of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, in a press release. “Under Don’s leadership, Washington State Parks has made a dramatic turnaround in the face of incredible challenges over the past few years. Don inherited a park system in crisis as a result of a deep recession and an abrupt financing shift that reduced public tax support. Through Don’s leadership, the agency made tough decisions and took fast action to keep the park system together. Don’s emphasis on collaboration and creativity have led to revenue programs and business approaches that are bringing the agency success and continual improvements. Staff morale is rising, and the agency and Commission are confident about the future of the park system.”
While in charge of Washington State Parks, Hoch has also been able to ensure greater use and access of Fort Worden Historic State Park. Hoch’s efforts have also led to improvements to the Seminary Building and park grounds at Saint Edward Historic State Park as well as a unique co-ownership partnership with the Swinomish Tribe at Kukutali Preserve.
