TOM MEDEMA Yosemite National Park Acting Superintendent Dave Uberuaga has announced that Tom Medema has been selected as the chief of interpretation and education at the Park. Medema has been in the position in an acting capacity for well over a year and will officially begin his duties in January, 2010.

"Tom has over 19 years of interpretive experience, which will serve him well in this complex position. He has proven to be an excellent interpretive manager, and his skills are a valuable asset to the management team here in Yosemite," stated Uberuaga.

As the Chief of Interpretation and Education, Medema will manage a multi-faceted Division of Interpretation which include personal and non-personal interpretive services. Additionally, the division manages the Park's Curatorial and Museum Management Program, the Public Involvement and Outreach Program, Public Affairs, and the Education Branch.

Prior to serving as the acting chief of interpretation and Education in Yosemite, Medema was the branch chief of field operations and the Valley interpretive operations supervisor. His National Park Service career also included working at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Mount Rainier Naional Park, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Medema holds a master of science degree in natural resource communication from Michigan State University and a bachelor of arts degree in recreation-environmental education from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was born and raised in Muskegon, Mich.

He is also very active in the Yosemite community. He is the head coach of the Yosemite Ski Team, vice-president of the Yosemite Winter Club, and an AYSO soccer coach and referee.

Medema, his wife Cindy, and two children will continue to live in the Park.