Farewell from Woody

Federation Delegates – a sad day indeed….

Farewell from our Superintendent Woody Smeck, National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area:


Dear Friends,

My last day as superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area will be Friday, March 30. Serving our treasured mountains and all of you has been among the greatest honors of my life. I leave with many warm memories and life-long friendships, and a thorough feeling of pride in the extraordinary stewardship provided by the park agencies. Santa Monica Mountains is a national treasure that will continue to exemplify the very best in conservation, education, and quality visitor programs.

I am pleased to announce that Deputy Superintendent Lorenza Fong will serve as Acting Superintendent until a permanent replacement is selected. You can reach her at (805) 370-2344 or by email at lorenza_fong@nps.gov. Lorenza is a 35-year veteran of the National Park Service, including spending 20 years in the Santa Monica Mountains as Chief of Interpretation and Deputy Superintendent. Her wisdom and inclusive leadership style will serve the staff, our partners, and the mountains extremely well.

Best wishes,
Woody