Chad Davis, who began his career as a seasonal worker at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, is now the deputy director of Alabama State Parks.

With more than two decades of experience, he steps into the No. 2 leadership role for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' State Parks System according to a news release.

"I am extremely humbled to be selected as the deputy director of Alabama State Parks," Davis said in the release. "I've spent my entire professional career with the park system, and I look forward to helping all 21 parks continue to offer first-class experiences for every guest. We have fantastic state parks in Alabama, and I am committed to making them better than ever."

For the past nine years, Davis served as district superintendent for the Northwest Region of Alabama State Parks, overseeing Joe Wheeler, Monte Sano, Rickwood Caverns, Cathedral Caverns and Lake Lurleen state parks. His career also included time as assistant superintendent at Joe Wheeler and DeSoto state parks, and he began his full-time role with the system as a ranger at Lake Guntersville State Park after earning a degree from Athens State University.

Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said Davis' leadership and experience make him well suited for the position.

"We are committed to creating excellence at every state park and enhancing guest experiences, and Chad is the perfect person to help achieve those goals," said Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps. "After leading five of our state parks for nearly a decade, Chad possesses a wealth of knowledge about park management, law enforcement, marketing, hospitality and strategic operations. We are fortunate to have him in this key leadership role."

Davis became the first Alabama graduate of the State Park Leadership School, a program coordinated by the National Association of State Parks Directors, in 2013. He has 15 years of law enforcement experience and graduated from the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy in 2006. He also serves on the boards of the Alabama State Parks Foundation and the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourism Association.

A Lexington native, Davis graduated from Lexington High School, about 15 miles from Joe Wheeler State Park. He and his wife, Jessica, an elementary school teacher, live in Lexington with their two daughters.

"Chad has proven himself to be a true leader in our State Parks System, and I'm pleased that he has agreed to become our new Deputy Director," Capps said.

For more information about Alabama State Parks, visit www.alapark.com.