Keay and Cash named to Devils Tower leadership positions

Superintendent Amnesty Kochanowski announced the selection of two new leadership team members at Devils Tower National Monument: Facility Manager, Brent Keay and Integrated Resources Program Manager, Russ Cash. Keay began on March 29 and Cash on April 12.

Keay will lead the Tower’s facility management division, supporting several permanent and temporary staff in the upkeep of numerous historic park buildings, campground and roadways. Although new to the National Park Service, Brent brings with him a diverse range of skills attained while serving in the Air Force for over 23 years.

There, he was a structural specialist, which included carpentry, welding, masonry, painting and sheet metal. Brent is excited to contribute to the mission of the NPS in his new position.

“I had visited Devils Tower back in August 1993 and the impression it left on me was one of awe. To be able to come back after all those years and get to work here is remarkable to say the least.” Keay said.

Superintendent Kochanowski said, “Brent’s values and skill set match the Devils Tower mission and five-year vision exceedingly well. He not only brings decades of facilities experience, but strong leadership, the ability to quickly and accurately assess risk and a long view approach. These characteristics are perhaps needed now more than ever before. When Brent accepted the position a few months ago, we had little idea he would be joining the NPS during unprecedented times. Already, Brent’s calm, dedicated nature has enhanced staff well-being and mission critical work at the Tower.”

Cash joins Devils Tower to lead the natural and cultural resources program. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge working with a variety of agencies and disciplines throughout his career.

Cash’s NPS experience includes interpretive media development at the Harpers Ferry Center in West Virginia, resource management and technical search and rescue operations at Zion National Park and fee collection, interpretation and administrative work at Cedar Breaks National Monument. Russ has also been an archaeologist at Pyrenees National Park in France.

Cash holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and an international relations/law certificate from Southern Utah University. He is currently attending class full time online at the University of Leicester in England to complete another master’s degree, this time in archaeology.

In his spare time, Russ enjoys hiking, backpacking, international travel and learning about new cultures and their histories. He looks forward to brushing up on his rock climbing skills at the Tower and surrounding Black Hills.

Cash said, “I’m excited to be at Devils Tower, some of the best parks and monuments come in the smallest packages. Devils Tower may not be a very big place, but it stands tall on the landscape and is home to an unbelievable amount of life, culture and human and political history. There’s so much to learn about and share here.”

Kochanowski added, “Russ is reminiscent of the generalist ranger. He is extraordinarily talented and well-rounded. Russ’s experience in cultural resource stewardship complements the long line of strong natural resource managers that have led at the Tower. Additionally, his work at parks with burgeoning visitation will help us address visitor use management. Russ is currently working remotely and will be relocating to Northeastern Wyoming as soon as conditions allow.