The following statement is from PERC CEO Brian Yablonski:
Every so often, a superintendent comes along who doesn’t just run the park well—he redefines what running it well even means. Cam Sholly has been that “once in a generation” leader, a superintendent who will be remembered as one of the most impactful in Yellowstone’s history.
When Cam arrived, he laid out a clear, bold vision: strengthen the park’s infrastructure, fix the long-overdue employee housing crisis, protect Yellowstone’s wildlife and ecosystems, deliver a world class visitor experience, and build lasting partnerships. He delivered on every one of those goals big time—and he did it while steering the park through a gauntlet of crises: a global pandemic, a 500-year flood, record-breaking visitation, and government shutdowns, all on top of the everyday complexities of running the world’s first national park. He thrived under both Republican and Democratic administrations because for Cam, Yellowstone always came first.
Cam brought a pioneering, common sense approach that was a breath of fresh air for everyone who loves Yellowstone—visitors, employees, conservation and tribal partners, and gateway communities alike. He cut through layers of red tape and bureaucracy to make transformative improvements happen, including tackling employee housing with an innovative modular construction method that was faster and more affordable than anything tried before.
He was also a genuine partner. PERC found in Cam someone eager to listen and brainstorm creative solutions to stubborn problems. Together, we helped implement a $100 international visitor surcharge to generate more resources for the park, partnered on transboundary wildlife issues with real, positive outcomes for both wildlife and ranchers, and worked together on infrastructure policies that benefited not only Yellowstone but all of America’s national parks.
Over eight years of friendship, what I’ve admired most is this: Cam cares deeply about Yellowstone, but he cares just as much about the people who dedicate their lives to it. That’s the mark of a great leader.
Yellowstone is one of the world’s greatest treasures. For the last eight years, it’s had one leading it. As Cam retires after almost 30 years, his legacy with the national parks in places like Yellowstone, Gateway Arch, and Natchez Trace will be visible for decades to come.
About PERC
The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) is the national leader in market solutions for conservation, with over 40 years of research and a network of respected scholars and practitioners. Through research, law and policy, and innovative applied conservation programs, PERC explores how aligning incentives for environmental stewardship produces sustainable outcomes for land, water, and wildlife. Founded in 1980, PERC is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and proudly based in Bozeman, Montana.
