RALEIGH – Jeffery Davidson Jr., a veteran park ranger, has been promoted to superintendent of Raven Rock State Park in Harnett County, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

 

He succeeds Kristen Woodruff, who accepted a position as superintendent of Singletary Lake State Park.

 

A superintendent is the chief of operations and administration at a state park or state recreation area with wide-ranging responsibilities for staffing, training, law enforcement, visitor services, natural resource protection and environmental education.

 

A native of Asheboro, Davidson graduated in 2005 from Campbell University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Oklahoma, as a researcher for North Carolina State University and as a seasonal employee at Raven Rock State Park before becoming a full-time ranger at Lumber River State Park in 2008. He was also an environmental science instructor at Campbell University.

 

As a ranger at Lumber River, Davidson managed operations at the Chalk Banks access area and was the state park’s volunteer coordinator. He holds certifications in environmental education and intermediate law enforcement and is a kayak/canoe program leader.

 

“Jeffery has extensive experience, not only in park operations, but natural resource management and education, which are the core components of our mission,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “He’ll be a valuable leader at Raven Rock State Park, which is gaining in popularity with its new visitor center and improved trails systems.”

 

Raven Rock State Park was established in 1969, and now encompasses 4,694 acres. It reported visitation of 152,665 in 2011.

 

 

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