Park Institute of America hires Executive Director

“It is exciting to have such a cross-functional and experienced individual take charge of the Institute,” said Maureen Finnerty, Board Chair of the Institute. “With nearly two decades of strategic planning and leadership experience, Tyler brings a robust partnership development and program management capacity to our organization.” 

Dr. Toddi Steelman, the Stanback Dean for the Nicholas School of the Environment and Ex Officio board member of the Institute, said “The Nicholas School is very excited to take this next step with the Park Institute of America. Tyler is the right person at the right time in the right job to help forge deeper connections between PIA and Nicholas. Our parks and protected areas have never been more important and Tyler will keep these issues in the public eye.”

“I am humbled and thrilled to join such a dedicated organization that is so committed to our protected spaces,” said Sammis. “I look forward to working closely with the Institute’s incredible team of accomplished professionals and world-renown partners to help build more cohesive and accessible park systems.”

Sammis served as a U.S. Army officer for six years in addition to nearly a decade spent resourcing hazardous site remediation activities on four continents. He holds an MBA, and in 2020, he received a Duke Environmental Leadership Master of Environmental Management (DEL-MEM) degree from the Nicholas School. Sammis is an avid outdoorsman based in Durham and starts his official duties as Executive Director on November 1, 2022. 

The Park Institute of America was established in 2016 as a non-profit organization affiliated with the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. Its main goals are broad-based communication, partnerships, leadership development, and innovative approaches to park management and use.