Working towards a more informed, engaged, & empathetic world
America250 - Tom Medema addresses a convening of all 56 states and territories planning for America’s Semiquincentennial. Washington, D.C. July 29, 2025
A long-time National Park Ranger and adventure philanthropist, Tom Medema has dedicated his career and personal life to promoting global conservation leadership, and inspiring adventure travel and volunteerism to better our world.
Services
Public Appearances
Tom Medema delivers a wide range of entertaining and inspiring presentations blending his field experience and leadership in the National Park Service with his personal adventures around the globe.
Keynote
Powerful and effective reflections on leadership, storytelling, self-discovery, how embracing adventure and awe in our everyday lives strengthens personal and community bonds.
Facilitation
Effective facilitation of panel discussions or meetings to ensure broad participation and engagement of attendees to achieve relevant objectives.
Classroom
College and university lectures inspiring students to explore new career pathways, accelerate personal growth, and navigate a complex job market.
Tom in Action
January Series Lecture - Calvin University
Mariposa Grove Dedication - Yosemite National Park
Consulting
Tom Medema has excelled as a public lands leader achieving numerous awards for his long-term and effective advising of National Park Service leadership, members of Congress, federal Commissions, nonprofit boards, and professional organizations.
Storytelling
Creating and enhancing powerful stories that engage and inspire people of all ages through film, television, exhibits, publications, mobile apps and more. For example, Tom Medema has served as an educational and creative consultant with Jim Henson Studios on the new live action puppet production Wowsabout.
Leadership Development
Working with emerging and established leaders in the public sector to harness their full potential and embrace continual growth in servant leadership.
Crisis Communication
Building strong communication strategies for organizations facing turbulent headwinds. Born from experience leading NPS efforts to communicate during wildfires, Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Yosemite hanta virus outbreak, Covid Pandemic, and human tragedies in parks.
Project Management
Tom Medema has a diverse background in project management including interpretive and strategic planning, exhibit and publication planning and design, and event planning.
Leading upto 2026, the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, Tom Medema was asked by Semiquin Commission Chair Rosie Rios to lead three projects to help achieve the commemorations goals outlined in law - America’s Time Capsule, Federal Agency Coordination, and the A250 exhibit at the White House Visitor Center.
Visitor Experience Planning
Creation of interpretive and visitor experience plans for a wide range of sites to help organizations effectively analyze and serve their visitors effectively and efficiently.
Exhibit Development
Interpretive and informational exhibit projects that engage audiences and effectively convey key themes and messages for an organization.
Tom Medema
Tom Medema has spent 40 years in the field of visitor experience with an emphasis on teaching, leadership, and coaching, finishing his federal career as the National Park Service Associate Director for Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers, or what he affectionately calls CSO - Chief Storytelling Officer.
Tom is also the co-founder of the adventure philanthropy project Rally for Rangers which has raised nearly $3 Million to deliver hundreds of motorcycles and other critical gear to aid park rangers around the world in their fight against poaching and other threats.
Leading up to 2026, the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, Tom was asked by Semiquincentennial Commission Chair Rosie Rios to lead three projects to help achieve the commemorations goals outlined in law - America’s Time Capsule, Federal Agency Coordination, and the A250 exhibit at the White House Visitor Center.
His International projects have included working with parks and protected areas in France, Chile, Argentina, Nepal, Mongolia, and Saudi Arabia.
Tom is a subject matter expert favored by UNESCO for visitor experience projects around the globe. He has spoken at World Heritage Conferences on this subject and is a lead consultant for Hegra World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia.
AWARDS
William C. Everhart Award, Clemson University
Edward B. Danson Award, Western National Parks
Sequoia Award, National Park Service
Distinguished Service Award, U.S. Department of the Interior 2025
Presidents Award, National Association for Interpretation 2024
