NPS Names New Congressional Liaison

Don Hellmann has been named the National Park Service Assistant Director for Legislative and Congressional Affairs. His appointment as the agency’s top liaison to the United States Senate and House of Representatives starts immediately.

“Don is already a familiar NPS presence on Capitol Hill, having served in our legislative affairs office the past 15 years,” said National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis. “I know he will ensure that members of Congress understand the needs of parks and associated programs.”

Hellmann will direct a staff of legislative and congressional affairs experts who analyze and report on pending legislation, draft bills and amendments to implement legislative priorities, and act as liaisons with members of Congress on all matters affecting the National Park Service.

“I am honored that Jon has given me the opportunity to serve in this position,” said Hellmann. “I look forward to working with him, my dedicated staff, and other colleagues to communicate the mission and goals of the National Park Service to Congress.”

Prior to working for the National Park Service, Hellmann spent seven years with The Wilderness Society. He served as legislative counsel and as vice president for conservation, directing the conservation advocacy program and coordinating the litigation agenda of the organization.

Hellmann worked as a Congressional staffer for almost 11 years. He was legislative counsel to House Majority Whip Tony Coelho (D-CA) from 1985 to 1988. He also held several positions, including legislative assistant, for Senator Walter D. Huddleson (D-KY) from 1977 to 1985. Before that, he taught history and English to junior high school students in his native Kentucky.

Hellmann received a B.A. in History/Secondary Education from Thomas More College in Kentucky, a M.A. in Politics from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and a J.D. from the University of Baltimore. He is a member of the District of Columbia Bar and holds a life certification as a secondary education teacher from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.