Kristen Howard Named Park Ranger of the Year in Non-Sworn Category at 2025 Park Ranger Institute
Kristen Howard, a Park Ranger II with Buncombe County Parks & Recreation, has been honored with the Park Ranger of the Year, Non-Sworn award at the 2025 Park Ranger Institute. The award recognizes her outstanding dedication and contribution to park stewardship, safety, and community engagement.
Howard expressed her gratitude, reflecting on her journey in the parks profession. “I am truly honored to receive the Park Ranger of the Year Non-Sworn Award,” she said. “It marks a significant milestone in my career, which began in 2012 with the City of Greensboro Parks and Rec. Since joining Buncombe County Parks in 2022, I have drawn from a diverse background, from ground maintenance to programming to public safety. The Park Ranger Institute has been integral in helping me grow in my profession.”
Howard, who has attended the Park Ranger Institute since 2014, is currently working toward her Professional Park Ranger certification. She credits the Institute with equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance the educational programs, safety, and stewardship of parks in the region. “The Institute has played a pivotal role in my career, offering a wide array of certifications and hands-on courses,” she said. “This award is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the support from my colleagues, the Institute, and the community.”
The Park Ranger Institute, founded in 1978, offers specialized training and networking opportunities for park professionals, both sworn and non-sworn. The Institute’s mission is to enrich the knowledge and skills of individuals responsible for park stewardship, with an emphasis on topics such as conservation, outdoor recreation, emergency response, and public safety. To date, the Institute has trained over 6,000 participants and offers the only Professional Ranger Certification program in the country.
This award also underscores the collective effort involved in Howard's success. “This recognition is not just about me,” she shared. “It’s a testament to the entire team of passionate individuals I’ve had the privilege of working alongside. We’ve managed to make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.”
Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Director Allison Dains expressed pride in Howard’s accomplishments. “We’re very proud of Kristen and the hard work she’s put into her role,” said Dains. “She’s a dedicated and valuable member of our team, and this recognition is well-deserved. We look forward to seeing her continue to grow in her career.”