The Bio

Emily Weisner Thompson is an author and the Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. In 2018, she joined the Coalition to lead communications and advocacy efforts before later stepping into the role of Deputy Director and then Executive Director. In her current leadership role, she oversees the daily operation of the Coalition and works closely with the Executive Council to build and maintain strategic partnerships, expand and support membership, and ensure that advocacy and communications efforts effectively help to protect national parks and public lands.

Emily brings a wealth of experience from her tenure with the National Park Service, where she developed expertise in interpretation, communications, public affairs, and strategic planning. Her work took her to multiple park units across the country, from Washington, D.C. to Honolulu, Hawaii. Following her time with the National Park Service, Emily transitioned into nonprofit management, serving as the Executive Director of the Santa Claus Museum & Village in Santa Claus, Indiana. In addition to curating collections, conducting research, fundraising, and oversight of the daily operation, Emily wrangled hundreds of Elf volunteers as part of the long-standing and internationally recognized “Letters to Santa Claus” program.

A passionate storyteller and historian, Emily holds a B.A. in American Studies and Anthropology from the University of Notre Dame and an M.A. in Public History from American University. She is also the author of three books, including two silver medal winners in the Independent Publisher Book Awards.

She currently lives in Ohio.