Niobrara National Scenic River Announces New Superintendant

Chris Mather has been selected as the new superintendent of Niobrara National Scenic River.

VALENTINE, Neb. — The National Park Service has selected Chris Mather as the next

superintendent of Niobrara National Scenic River. He will assume the role in

mid-September 2026. The position reports to the Missouri National Recreational River

Superintendent.

"Chris’ experience and collaborative approach to management make him and excellent

choice to lead Niobrara National Scenic River,” said Missouri National Recreational

River superintendent David Thomson. “His commitment to developing and sustaining

strong partnerships to protect the river and preserve the natural and cultural

resources will be a tremendous asset.”

Mather has served with the National Park Service for 16 years. He began his career

at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, working in museum collections and

facility maintenance. He later served as a museum registrar at Yellowstone National

Park and as cultural resource manager at Fort Laramie National Historic Site. In

2023, Mather was selected as the first permanent site manager at Amache National

Historic Site in Colorado, where he helped lead the site through formal

establishment as a new unit of the national park service and developed strong

partnerships with the local community and park partners. 

“I am honored to join the Niobrara team and am inspired by the dedication of its

staff, partners, and community members,” said Superintendent Chris Mather. “By

building on these strong relationships, we will continue working together to care

for the Niobrara and sustain the connections among the river and the communities

whose history and heritage are closely tied to this special place.”

Mather earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a minor in history from

University of Idaho and a master’s degree in American history and government from

Ashland University. He looks forward to exploring the Niobrara River with his wife,

and their two dogs.

About the National Park Service. The National Park Service preserves America’s most

treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration

of this and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.