Shelana deSilva is the new Deputy District Superintendent for NCRD

California State Parks North Coast Redwoods District (NCRD) is happy to announce the hiring of Shelana deSilva as the new Deputy District Superintendent. 

Shelana’s primary work will be guiding the partnership with Redwood National Park in the co-management of the four units that make up Redwood National and State Parks. In addition, Shelana will be working within all the 22 park units of the NCRD to support staff and operations. “Shelana’s focus on equitable public lands access, conservation-related policy, and meaningful community engagement will enhance the NCRD’s efforts in these areas, benefiting both parks and our community,” stated Victor Bjelajac, NCRD District 

In a mix of public and private sector efforts, Shelana has been working to protect natural and cultural resources and connect people to them through team managed stewardship for 15 years. Her background as a community organizer guides her collaborative approach to park operations. Shelana’s work includes project and program design, demonstrated in successes with her contributions to the development of Redwoods Rising, the California Landscape Stewardship Network, and several statewide and regional initiatives focused on equity and climate resilience. Shelana holds a BA in Sociology, with a minor in Gender Studies from San Francisco State University, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from California College of the Arts. 

“It is an honor to stand shoulder to shoulder with the workforce and leadership of the North Coast Redwoods District of California State Parks and Redwood National and State Parks to help steward and connect communities to these special parks,” she said. “I look forward to working in partnership with the Native American Tribes, community members, and local government leaders of this region to protect and help tell the story of these iconic redwood landscapes and the cultural diversity of this region.”