George Liffert, a national park manager with 28 years’ experience, will lead Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. He has served as acting superintendent since June 2015. He will assume his role as superintendent immediately.
“George brings proven experience in developing and growing partnerships to his position as superintendent at Wolf Trap,” National Capital Regional director Bob Vogel said. “His background in resource management will help the park continue to promote its world class performances and children’s programs while also highlighting it as a natural treasure, home to native plants and animals, and hiking, picnicking and outdoor recreation destination.”
Liffert served since 2005 as the deputy superintendent at Prince William Forest Park, which is where he began his career as a temporary park ranger in 1988. He has worked in resource protection and served 14 years as a commissioned law enforcement ranger, including as chief ranger at Prince William Forest Park. In addition to Wolf Trap, he completed assignments as acting superintendent at National Capital Parks – East and Prince William Forest Park.
He was instrumental in forging a partnership with NatureBridge to establish its first East Coast environmental education campus at Prince William Forest Park and implemented the Rangers Against Drugs program for sixth graders. Liffert worked with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club to maintain park trails and assisted in resolving a longstanding land use issue with the Department of Navy and Marine Corps Base Quantico.
“It is an honor to be selected as the superintendent of Wolf Trap. I’m excited to continue working with our partners, the Wolf Trap Foundation and Friends of Wolf Trap, to bring cultural and performing arts to people,” Liffert said. “And, if you’ve never visited Wolf Trap, I want to extend a special invitation to visit during 2016, the National Park Service’s centennial year.”
Liffert holds a bachelor degree in recreation from Virginia Commonwealth University. He and his wife, Kimberly, live in Woodbridge with their children, Kathryn, a graduate student at George Mason University; Nicholas, a sophomore at Northern Virginia Community College; and Noah, a homeschooled student.