75th Anniversary Jackson Event Bios
75th Anniversary Dinner
A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP) has been equipping team members to share Christ’s love through work, worship, and service in national parks across the country since 1951, which makes this our 75th year of ministry! We think that is something worth celebrating, and we are grateful we get to celebrate with you! Thank you for joining us this evening for dinner in Jackson, WY.
Below you will find a list of our artists and speakers for this evening along with a short bio.
If you would like to financially support the ongoing work of ACMNP, you can do so by clicking here.
David Mihalic, Guest Artist and Former NPS Superintendent
Dave Mihalic spent more than 30 years with the National Park Service, serving in leadership roles at several iconic parks, including Glacier, Mammoth Cave, and Yosemite National Parks. Known for his commitment to conservation and public service, he helped steward some of America’s most treasured landscapes throughout his distinguished career.
In retirement, Dave has combined his love for national parks with a passion for painting. His artwork captures the beauty and spirit of wild places, inspiring others to appreciate and care for the natural treasures he spent a lifetime protecting.
Dave will have two pieces represented in September at our auction in Yellowstone National Park. This auction will be made available for three days to in-person attendees as well as those who would like to participate virtually. If you would like to acquire the painting Dave completed this evening, click the link below and we will send more details.
Inquire About Artwork
Amy Kennedy, Executive Director
For the past 15 years, Amy has worked with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks as the Director of Placement and Communications, and most recently, as Executive Director. Prior to her time in the office, she served in three national parks and spent a season recruiting for the national office. Originally from Idaho, Amy earned her undergraduate degree in Communications and Business from Northwest Nazarene University and was recently named Leon Doane Young Alumnus of the Year. She earned her Master of Nonprofit Management degree from Regis University in 2018. Through her graduate studies, Amy was recognized as an Opus Student Scholar, and was invited to join an international nonprofit honor society called Nu Lambda Mu. Her experience working with World Vision, Love INC, Musana CDO and ACMNP gave her a strong love for nonprofit organizations and equipped her to carry out the impactful ministry occurring in the national parks each season.
Amy has been married to her husband, Bobby Kennedy, for the past ten years. He is 4th grade teacher. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, swing dancing, singing jazz music, kayaking, and playing with her golden retriever pups Chloe and Tucker. Amy can be reached at akennedy@acmnp.com or by calling 303-220-2808.
Contact Amy
David Vela, Former NPS Deputy/Acting Director
During his thirty years in the National Park Service (NPS), David led efforts at the park, regional, and national level in protecting our nation’s most special places while engaging youth and underserved communities. David was the first Latino to be nominated by the President of the United States to serve as Director of the National Park Service.
Prior to his retirement in September 2020, he served as Deputy Director, Exercising the Authority of the Director. He also served as Chair for the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. Prior to his nomination, David served in a number of executive and leadership assignments in the NPS to include Superintendent of Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.
David has served on a number of national nonprofit boards and is a national motivational and public speaker inspiring the next generation of conservation stewards, advocates, and workforce. He is the author of Hola Ranger, My Journey Through The National Parks. David and his wife Melissa have two children, Christina and Anthony, and eight grandchildren.
Hola Ranger Book Link