Melanie Smith was named Deputy Director of Resources for the department's Missouri State Parks, effective Nov. 1, 2024. She oversees the Grants, Recreation and Interpretation Program, Natural Resources Management Program, Cultural Resources Management Program, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Visitor Services Program and Safety and Wellness Program.
Since 2016, Melanie served as Deputy Director of the Missouri State Parks' Northern Region, where she worked with field staff to make sure the 34 state parks and historic sites continued to provide exceptional service to our guests. She also assisted with planning and executing events, such as ribbon cuttings, Women in Nature programs and Katy Trail Tram Tours. Prior to her career with with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Melanie worked at the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and as the assistant city manager with the City of Kirksville. She has also served as the executive director at the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce and spent time in Jefferson City working as a special events coordinator with Missouri State Parks.