NOVA Parks News

NOVA PARKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PAUL GILBERT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
For Immediate Release: April 11, 2025

Fairfax Station, Va. – NOVA Parks Executive Director Paul Gilbert has announced that he will retire by the end of 2025.

“In December 2025, I plan to retire from my position as Executive Director of NOVA Parks. This has been my career and passion for the last 20 years. It has been a great honor to partner with the leaders of Northern Virginia as we have built a stronger community with vibrant regional parks,” said Executive Director Paul Gilbert. “Over this time, we have been able to expand the regional park system by adding and upgrading facilities and lands. The entire region benefits from a healthy environment and unique, memorable experiences.” 

NOVA Parks Board member representing Loudoun County, Cate Magennis Wyatt said, “Over the past 20 years, I found Paul to be among the finest CEO’s ‒ within both the public and private sectors ‒ that I have ever had the privilege to work with. Since taking the helm at NOVA Parks, he has transformed the quasi-governmental entity into a nimble, highly entrepreneurial organization dedicated to serving the 2 million citizens who enjoy the 37 NOVA Parks locations each year. Paul is leaving a legacy that will benefit every resident for generations and I could not be more grateful for his years of service."

“As Paul Gilbert prepares to retire from his role as Executive Director of NOVA Parks, I want to honor his visionary leadership and deep commitment to integrating conservation, recreation, education, and historical storytelling. Under Paul's guidance, he and his team have made significant strides in illuminating the untold and often forgotten stories of the invaluable contributions of all communities that helped shape Fairfax County, Virginia, and beyond. They have amplified the narratives of everyday individuals achieving extraordinary things,” said Karen Campblin, Virginia NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Chair and former President of Fairfax NAACP. “While his visionary guidance will be greatly missed, I eagerly anticipate the next chapter of his journey and the continued inspiration he will undoubtedly bring.”

As NOVA Parks’ Executive Director, Gilbert has led the expansion of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, including 22 acquisition transactions totaling 1,801 acres of parkland, 15 new parks, and 3 expanded parks:

• Aldie Mill, Aldie: 2006, 1 acre
• Balls Bluff expansion, Leesburg: 2014, 15 acres
• Battle of Middleburg/Mt. Defiance, Middleburg: 2015, 5 acres
• Battle of Upperville/Goose Creek Bridge, Upperville: 2017, 20 acres
• Beaverdam, Ashburn: 2016, 630 acres
• Beaverdam – West, Ashburn: 2016, 140 acres
• Cattail, Leesburg: 2023, 85 acres
• Gilberts Corner, Gilberts Corner: 2010, 157 acres
• Linn Preserve, McLean: 2012, 11 acres
• Mt. Zion, Gilberts Corner: 2009, 6 acres
• Occoquan expansion, Lorton: 2020, 36 acres
• Piscataway Crossing, Lucketts: 2010, 300 acres
• Pohick Bay expansion, Lorton: 2009, 2012, 2017, 2020, 10 acres
• Rust Sanctuary, Leesburg: 2013, 60 acres
• Springdale, Loudoun County: 2017 & 2022, 280 acres
• Tinner Hill, Falls Church: 2014, 1 acre
• Webb Sanctuary, Clifton: 2013, 20 acres
• Winkler Botanical Preserve, Alexandria: 2022, 45 acres

Major new park facilities:

• Climb Upton, Arlington: 2021
• Dual Trails on the W&OD, Falls Church: 2021
• Festival of Lights (Bull Run), Centreville: 2006
• Korean Bell Garden (Meadowlark), Vienna: 2012
• Jean R. Packard Center (RiverView/Brickmakers), Lorton: 2018
• Reservoir Park, Ashburn: 2024
• Turning Point Suffragist Memorial (Occoquan), Lorton: 2020
• Winter Walk of Lights (Meadowlark), Vienna: 2013

Gilbert’s career has been dedicated to public service in land acquisition, conservation and management. After serving on the NOVA Parks Board, Gilbert was appointed as its Executive Director in 2005. Since 2009, he has also served as an Executive-in-Residence for George Mason University’s Recreation Management Program. Paul has received numerous professional awards, including ‘Outstanding Contribution to Outdoor Recreation’ by the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation and ‘Land Manager of the Year’ by the Mid-Atlantic Mountain Bike Enthusiasts. Gilbert authored 2 books, Lead like a General: Leadership Lessons from the Civil War, 2011, and High Performance Agencies: The Entrepreneurial Model for Park, Recreation and Tourism, 2014. Gilbert served as Chairman of the Board of Visit Fairfax in 2014-2015 and currently serves on the Board for The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, where he will continue to advance philanthropic endeavors for the region.

Fairfax County Supervisor Dan Storck said, “It has been an honor and a pleasure working with Paul over the past 20 years. The operational competency and preservation growth mindset that Paul has brought to our parks and recreation world have been instrumental. From land acquisitions to brand new facilities, our regional parks and open spaces have thrived under Paul’s leadership.”

Alexandria Mayor Aliya Gaskins said, “During Paul’s tenure, he has built a stronger community with vibrant regional parks. The City of Alexandria is grateful for the dedication and the professionalism he has shown over the years. It is because of his hard work and dedication that Alexandria remains such a wonderful community.”

As the Executive Director reports directly to the NOVA Parks Board, the process for choosing a successor will be coordinated and carried out by the 12-member Board. Baker Tilly Public Sector Executive Recruitment has been contracted to conduct a nationwide search to identify the best candidates for this position and execute a process that will involve representatives appointed by each of NOVA Parks’ partner jurisdictions.