Harrisburg, PA – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced the appointment of Kate Gundersen-Thorpe as the new park operations manager for the French Creek State Park Complex, which includes French Creek and Marsh Creek state parks in Berks and Chester counties.
“Kate is a strong leader and a great fit to oversee one of our largest and most popular state parks,” Secretary Dunn said. “Her experience and skills will ensure these parks continue to thrive as valued outdoor destinations for Pennsylvanians.”
Gundersen-Thorpe assumed oversight of the park complex in late December. French Creek State Park, spanning 7,730 acres in the Schuylkill Highlands, is the largest contiguous forest between Washington, D.C., and New York City. Its forests, lakes, wetlands, and fields attract thousands of visitors each year for hiking, fishing, camping, and biking. Marsh Creek State Park, covering 1,784 acres in the rolling hills of north-central Chester County, is home to the 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake, a premier spot for fishing, sailing, and wildlife viewing.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to manage this incredible park complex and look forward to welcoming visitors to both parks,” Gundersen-Thorpe said. “My goal is to support the surrounding communities and build on the exceptional work of our staff in preserving these cherished natural spaces.”
Gundersen-Thorpe previously managed the Neshaminy State Park Complex in Bucks and Philadelphia counties and has held multiple roles within DCNR. She began as a ranger trainee and later served as a ranger at Ridley Creek State Park before becoming an assistant manager at Promised Land State Park.
A native of West Berlin, New Jersey, Gundersen-Thorpe holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation from Juniata College and a master’s degree in park and resource management from Slippery Rock University. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, running, and visiting state parks with her husband, David, and son, Oskar.
Former French Creek State Park Complex Manager James Wassell has transitioned to a new leadership role overseeing the Susquehanna to Schuylkill Division of State Parks. His new responsibilities include Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Boyd Big Tree Preserve and Joseph E. Ibberson conservation areas, and Codorus, French Creek, Marsh Creek, Memorial Lake, and Swatara state parks.
“I will miss being at the French Creek Complex each day, but I know things are in great hands with Kate,” Wassell said. “I love state parks and meeting visitors, so I’m excited to build teamwork and enhance visitor experiences across the eight parks in this division.”
Wassell holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental resource management from Keystone College and began his career with DCNR as an intern at Lackawanna State Park. He later served as a ranger trainee at Nockamixon State Park, assistant manager at the French Creek Complex, and park manager for Lackawanna and Ridley Creek state parks before taking on leadership of the French Creek Complex.
Last year, Governor Josh Shapiro launched Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway, a new tourism brand highlighting the Commonwealth’s outdoor recreation opportunities. Pennsylvania’s state parks provide free access to nature, making them ideal destinations for relaxation and adventure.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about Pennsylvania state parks and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for happenings on public lands.
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