Among national park sites in the U.S., there are only a handful of dedicated National Park Service (NPS) employees who hold a public affairs title, and even fewer in the Midwest region. John Orrell, Gateway Arch National Park’s new public affairs officer and partnerships coordinator, is one of them. 

“For the most part, throughout the more than 430 national park sites, public affairs is a collateral duty,” explained Orrell. “It’s not that NPS doesn’t see value in it—it’s just the fact that you have to fill your open positions with what you deem is best for your specific park.” 

Gateway Arch National Park prioritized a public affairs position due to the park’s unique operational structure and location in the heart of a metropolitan city. For a role that works closely with the news media and internal and external partners like the Arch Alliance, John Orrell brings the perfect mix of classic public affairs training, government savvy, and military discipline. Take one look at Orrell’s résumé, and it’s easy to understand why. 

Orrell began his career as an Air Force firefighter before cross-training into public affairs as a “backpack journalist.” From there, he worked in public affairs at the Pentagon, the National Archives and Records Administration at the George W. Bush Presidential Library Museum, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and most recently the Army Command out of Scott Air Force Base. 

When Orrell saw the role at Gateway Arch National Park, he knew it was a dream job. Today, Orrell is living out that dream, and he remains ever enthusiastic about his role. It’s the people around him, both colleagues and his family, and his personal passion for St. Louis and Gateway Arch National Park that keep him motivated. 

“My wife has adamantly said this is the happiest she’s seen me getting up to go to work because she just knows how passionate I am about this,” said Orrell. “To be able to tell these stories, serve my nation, and be passionate about what I do—you can’t ask for a better trifecta than that.” 

Orrell has worked closely with the Foundation’s communications department since he joined. Among his favorite projects in partnership with the Foundation so far was the Old Courthouse grand reopening. 

“The planning and coordination leading up to [the Old Courthouse reopening] was probably the easiest special event execution in my entire career,” said Orrell. “We were in lockstep throughout the entire process from day one, and it was just phenomenal. I could not have asked for any better situation to start my time off here.” 

The Foundation is inspired by Orrell’s commitment, and we are excited for the positive impact our shared work will bring to the park and its visitors.