Hungry Mother State Park, a renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts, has announced the promotion of Ryan Blevins to the role of assistant park manager of visitor and event services. This strategic appointment marks a significant step in the park’s ongoing efforts to enhance visitor experiences and event services.
Blevins, a native of Chilhowie, Virginia, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having been part of the Hungry Mother State Park team since 2000. His journey with the park began as a seasonal maintenance ranger, a role he balanced while pursuing his education at Berea College in Kentucky.
Upon completing his bachelor’s degree, Blevins transitioned into a 1500-hour trades technician position. In this capacity, he honed skills crucial to park maintenance and operations, including carpentry and customer service. These foundational experiences have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of park management.
His career trajectory within the park system saw him take on the role of a district natural resource assistant, further broadening his expertise in park operations. Blevins returned to Hungry Mother State Park in 2014 as a maintenance ranger and later served as a special events ranger in 2022.
In his new role, Blevins is tasked with overseeing a variety of operational aspects at Hungry Mother State Park. His responsibilities span event services and catering, merchandise management, enhancing the visitor experience, volunteer coordination, and managing seasonal activities at the park’s beach and Dock ‘n Shop.
Kevin McDonald, the park manager, expressed high expectations for Blevins’ new role. “Over the past 20 years, Ryan has had the opportunity to work within every section of park operations, making his experience invaluable,” McDonald said. “Given his skills and passion for Virginia State Parks, we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes, especially for our growing events department.”
The appointment of Blevins is expected to significantly benefit the outdoor recreation industry. His comprehensive understanding of park operations and visitor services is anticipated to drive improvements in event management and visitor engagement, key areas that contribute to the overall appeal and sustainability of outdoor recreational spaces.
Hungry Mother State Park is distinguished for its event spaces, including the Hemlock Have Conference Center. This facility, the largest full-service meeting space within the Virginia State Parks system, can accommodate over 200 people, making it an ideal venue for a variety of events.
Additionally, the park operates a catering service out of its Lakeview Event Center. This service, currently available exclusively for scheduled events, adds a unique dimension to the park’s offerings, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Featured image from Hungry Mother State Park.