Shawn Hamilton confirmed as director of NH State Parks

05/20/2026

Shawn Hamilton Director of NH State Parks

Shawn Hamilton was unanimously confirmed by the Executive Council to be the new director of the N.H. Division of Parks and Recreation at today’s Governor and Council meeting.

“For the past 90 years, New Hampshire State Parks have been a point of tremendous pride for Granite Staters and a critical part of protecting our natural beauty,” said Gov. Kelly Ayotte. “Shawn Hamilton has the experience, out-of-the box thinking and passion for the outdoors that we need in our next Parks director. I look forward to working with him to keep our parks thriving for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”

“One of the missions of the Division is to provide New Hampshire’s citizens and guests with outstanding recreational, educational and inspirational experiences and I’m proud to accept the lead role for that important responsibility,” said Hamilton. “My background and career history with New Hampshire State Parks will allow me to hit the ground running and get right down to the business of creating authentic outdoor experiences for people that will last a lifetime.

“I’m thrilled to be back working with such a talented and passionate staff on all of our current and future initiatives.”

Hamilton began his career at New Hampshire State Parks while a student at Plymouth State College. Starting as seasonal staff at Pawtuckaway State Park, he worked his way up through the ranks to eventually manage system-wide initiatives for the entire division, including implementing e-commerce and reservation systems and training programs for staff that have enhanced visitor experiences.

Most recently, Hamilton served as chief customer officer for a software company that provides management tools for outdoor recreation facilities, an experience that has allowed him to evaluate programs and systems from state park systems across the country.

“Shawn has a great advantage in that he starts as director with full respect of New Hampshire State Park employees because he understands their day-to-day,” said Adam Crepeau, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the lead agency for New Hampshire State Parks. “He has the unique ability to communicate with and understand the concerns of everyone, from visitors to park staff to elected officials, whether they come from the state’s smallest towns right up through the State House.”

In addition to receiving a bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State University, Hamilton has completed the State of New Hampshire’s Certified Public Manager and Certified Public Supervisor programs. He was also named “Top Academic Performer” by the National Association of State Park Directors and is a member of the Reservation System and Business Managers Association.

The Division of Parks and Recreation is one of five divisions of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. New Hampshire State Parks is comprised of the Bureau of Park Operations, the Bureau of Historic Sites, the Bureau of Trails, the Bureau of Community Recreation and Cannon Mountain Ski Area. The Division manages 94 properties, including state parks, beaches, campgrounds, historic sites, trails, waysides and natural areas. To learn more, visit nhstateparks.org , follow New Hampshire State Parks on Facebook, Instagram and X, or call 603-271-3556.