PORT ANGELES — Lee Taylor, Olympic National Park’s new deputy superintendent, has begun work at the park’s Port Angeles-based headquarters.

Taylor, a 30-year career employee of the National Park Service, started in her new post Tuesday.

She moved to Olympic National Park from Friday Harbor, where she served as superintendent of San Juan Island National Historical Park for the past three years.

“We are thrilled to have Lee join our staff and are eager to introduce her to members of our community,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum.

Replaces Suess

Taylor fills the position formerly held by Todd Suess, who was named superintendent of Mojave National Preserve earlier this year.

Taylor is spending most of this week visiting many of the park’s destinations and meeting park staff.

Top locations include Hurricane Ridge and the Elwha Valley, along with sites on the park’s west side such as Kalaloch, Lake Quinault and the Hoh Rain Forest.

Meeting with park partners and neighbors is also part of Taylor’s schedule for the coming weeks

People interested in scheduling a time to meet and talk with Taylor or who would like to invite her to address their group or organization can call the park superintendent’s office at 360-565-3004.

“I have wanted to work at Olympic National Park for many years, and I’m excited to meet and work with Olympic’s staff and the park’s many partners and neighbors,” Taylor said.

Olympic National Park was established in 1938 and protects 922,651 acres, nearly 95 percent of which is designated wilderness. Over 200 employees help protect and maintain the park’s resources, and provide services and facilities for over 3 million visitors each year.