UP Gazette

BriAnna Weldon has been named the new superintendent of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, according to an announcement from the National Park Service (NPS). Weldon brings over ten years of experience with the NPS and a background in outdoor recreation planning and infrastructure projects.

"We are pleased to welcome BriAnna as the new superintendent of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore," said NPS Regional Director Bert Frost. “Her leadership in outdoor recreation, visitor use and experience, and collaboration and partnerships make her an excellent choice as the next superintendent for this park."

Weldon expressed her enthusiasm for her new role. “It is an honor to be selected as superintendent of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore,” she said. “The National Lakeshore is a living example of interdependence, where natural ecosystems, cultural heritage, identity, and outdoor experiences are deeply connected. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside others to help ensure the lakeshore remains a special place for current residents and visitors, and future generations.”

Weldon's previous roles include serving as Branch Chief with the Denver Service Center Transportation Division where she supported large-scale infrastructure projects. She was also Outdoor Recreation Planner for the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, where she helped foster partnerships along its 1,200-mile corridor. Earlier in her career, Weldon worked as an AmeriCorps Fellow with the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program on conservation and recreation projects in Los Angeles. She holds advanced degrees in landscape architecture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and the University of California, Berkeley.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore covers nearly 70,000 acres on Lake Superior’s northern shore. The park includes 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shoreline featuring beaches, sea caves, historic lighthouses—the largest collection in any national park—and diverse wildlife habitats. The area is also significant for its cultural history as it has been home to Ojibwe people for thousands of years.

Weldon will move to Wisconsin this fall with her husband Sean. They share interests in curling competitions, coaching youth sports teams, water activities on Lake Superior, and home improvement projects.

The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) supports preservation efforts at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore along with four other Lake Superior parks through grants and private donations.