National Park Foundation Welcomes Paul Coussan as Vice President of Government Relations
Washington D.C. — Paul Coussan has joined the National Park Foundation (NPF) as vice president of government relations. In this role, Coussan will lead the organization's efforts to engage with the Executive Branch and Congress as a trusted partner promoting the protection, enhancement, and continued support of America’s national parks.
Prior to joining NPF, Coussan served as director of government relations at the American Battlefield Trust, where he advocated for the preservation of America’s battlefields by navigating the organization’s relationships with Congress, the Executive Branch, and the National Park Service.
“It is truly an honor to join the team at the National Park Foundation,” Coussan said. “As an enthusiastic and lifelong fan of and visitor to our national parks, I am thrilled to be in the position to continue to advocate for these important sites on Capitol Hill. These places — from vast natural spaces to historic battlefields and spaces of memory — belong to all Americans and I am humbled to be able to ensure they grow and remain places to create memories for generations to come.”
In his new role, Coussan will strategically connect Congress with NPF’s mission and inform legislators on the organization’s programmatic priorities to help convey the vital role the Foundation plays in protecting national parks and connecting people to them.
“We are thrilled to welcome Paul to the National Park Foundation team,” said Dawn Rodney, chief external affairs officer at the National Park Foundation. “His experience strengthening strategic relationships within the federal government is crucial to ensuring that America’s national parks receive the federal support they need to thrive for future generations.”
Coussan brings more than 11 years of experience in legislative affairs, lobbying, strategic planning, and policy advocacy. Prior to his role at the American Battlefield Trust, he worked on Capitol Hill as press secretary for former U.S. Representative Charles Boustany and in the district office of U.S. Senator David Vitter in his home state of Louisiana.
Paul holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Georgia, and a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation works to protect wildlife and park lands, preserve history and culture, educate, and engage youth, and connect people everywhere to the wonder of parks. We do it in collaboration with the National Park Service, the park partner community, and with the generous support of donors, without whom our work would not be possible. Learn more at NationalParks.org.