A long-time lover of Glacier National Park, someone who has volunteered in the park and worked with the Glacier National Park Fund to support the park, has taken over as the head of the fund's board of directors.

Karen Chickering, an avid outdoor and nature lover, worked her way up to the position, spending time on several of the fund's committees and volunteering in the park with the Citizen Science Program. She and her husband, Nick, joined the fund's board two years ago.

Ms. Chickering has a degree in Conservation of Natural Resources from the University of California at Berkeley and a Masters of Science in Nursing from Yale University. She spent her early career as a nurse practitioner in Connecticut and helped create a marketing company specializing in computer software systems for the hospital industry. While raising three children, she was very active in various community and church outreach activities.

The Chickerings built a home in the Whitefish area in 2000, and moved there permanently in 2009. Ms. Chickering has devoted much of her time getting to know Glacier National Park and supporting Glacier.

“Glacier is one of our favorite places to hike and visit. As we have come to know the park better, we have become aware of the important ways the park can support education for children, the need for preservation and trail maintenance and the fact that Glacier provides the ideal setting for scientific research," she said. "Involvement with the Fund is one way we can give back and help ensure this magnificent park will be able to serve the thousands of visitors who come to Glacier each year. We are eager to spread the word about this national treasure and hope to encourage others to become involved in supporting the Glacier National Park Fund.”

Ms. Chickering succeeds Sandy Pew, who led the board the last four years.

"She brings so much enthusiasm, excitement and love for Glacier to our organization. We have important work to do and Karen will see that it gets done," said Mr. Pew.

The Glacier National Park Fund is the official non-profit fund raising partner for Glacier National Park. Their mission is to preserve and protect the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Park for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. For further information call 406-892-3250 or go to www.glaciernationalparkfund.org.