First woman, Sarah Davis of North Carolina, named chief ranger at Yellowstone National Park

North Carolina native Sarah Davis, a 20-year Park Service veteran, will oversee more than 275 employees at Yellowstone, according to an agency press release on the appointment.

"Sarah is an outstanding leader with a track record of high performance, strategic thinking, and collaboration," Parks Superintendent Cam Sholly said in a statement. "We're lucky to have her join the Yellowstone team."

Davis has been the chief ranger at Natchez Trace Parkway since 2012, leading law enforcement and emergency medical services, search and rescue teams and fire emergency services at the 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive that winds through three states, the agency said. She managed 40 staffers and oversaw a budget of $3.5 million as part of the job.

"It is an honor and privilege to be selected for this position," Davis said. "I'm excited to join the Yellowstone team, and work together to protect our first national park and its visitors, and ensure the health, safety, and wellness of our employees."

Davis, a native of Lexington, North Carolina is a graduate of both Denison University in Ohio and the FBI National Academy.

She’s previously worked as acting superintendent at Vicksburg and Guilford Courthouse National Military Parks, among other positions.

She’ll assume responsibilities at Yellowstone later this year.