Gettysburg gets a new park superintendent

GETTYSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site have a new superintendent.

National Park Service (NPS) Deputy Regional Director Cinda Waldbuesser today announced the appointment of Kristina (Kris) Heister to the post.

Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here

While Heister is the new superintendent, she is not new to Gettysburg and Eisenhower. She has worked as deputy superintendent there since 2020.

During her three-decades-long career, Heister has worked at parks of all sizes across the country, with almost half her career in historical parks. As deputy superintendent, Heister has provided oversight for all aspects of park operations, and served twice as acting superintendent of the two parks, first in 2019 and again in 2023-2024.

Before coming to Gettysburg, she was superintendent of Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, chief of Natural Resources for the NPS Northeast Region, and Natural Resource Program Manager at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

“Kris brings a wealth of National Park Service experience with a deep commitment to community engagement, resource protection and employee development,” said Waldbuesser. “Her knowledge of and commitment to protecting both cultural and natural resources while enhancing visitor experience make her an excellent choice to lead these two important parks.”

Gettysburg National Military Park announces 2024 events for families with special learners

“Over the last four years, I have been amazed by the dedication of my colleagues, our partners and our community,” said Heister. “Their collective commitment to preserving and protecting these hallowed grounds inspires me everyday. I look forward to continuing to work together and maintaining an open dialogue with our partners and our community to address both the challenges and opportunities the future holds for these exceptional places.”

A lifelong Pennsylvanian, Heister has deep connections to both the Civil War and the Eisenhower family. Her family counts 18 members who fought in the Civil War for the Union, although none at the Battle of Gettysburg. In 1957, President Dwight Eisenhower sent a signed note to her great-grandmother for her 100th birthday, which is now a family treasure.

The favorite Heister family meal is a recipe Julie and David Eisenhower served for Christmas one year, which was found in the local newspaper. She cares deeply for the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg and the home of a remarkable military general and president.

In her spare time, she enjoys the company of two beautiful coonhounds, Boone and Scarlett, and taking care of her 90-year-old mother.

You can now drive to the Eisenhower Farm!

She begins her new assignment on March 24, 2024.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.