A former staffer on the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands has been appointed deputy director of the National Park Service for congressional and external relations.

Christina Goldfuss brings a diverse background to the job. Beyond her House staffer's position, she once served as a television news reporter in California, Nevada, and Virginia. Before coming to the Park Service, she worked at the Center for American Progress, where she created and directed the Public Lands Project.

As deputy director, Ms. Goldfuss’ duties will include coordinating with members of Congress and leading the Park Service's Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs and Office of International Affairs. She fills the position that went vacant when Mickey Fearn left the agency to teach at North Carolina State.

“As we ready the National Park Service for its second century of stewardship we rely on close working relationships with many partners,” Park Service Director Jon Jarvis said in announcing the appointment. “Christy’s solid experience in the public and private sectors, understanding of public lands and preservation issues, and energy and commitment to bring people together to reach common goals make her a natural addition to my executive leadership team.”

At the Center for American Progress, the Public Lands Project introduced new policy ideas to responsibly develop energy on public lands, while communicating the economic value of conservation.