Bruce Bytnar Joins Boxerwood As Managing Director Elise Sheffield's Role As Education Director Expanded In New Organizational Structure

The Boxerwood Education Association and Board of Directors are pleased to announce that Bruce Bytnar, recently retired District Ranger for the National Park Service, has been hired to serve as the organization’s new Managing Director. As Ridge District Ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway for 25 years, Bytnar was responsible for the management of a 106-mile section of the most visited National Park Service area in the country. In his new position at Boxerwood, the longtime county resident now dedicates his considerable skills and experience to focus on the 32 acres comprising Boxerwood, one of Rockbridge’s own most treasured places. Boxerwood did not have to look far to find their new and uniquely qualified Managing Director. For the past three years, Bytnar has volunteered as an environmental educator at the nature center, supporting school outreach programs administered by Boxerwood’s Education Director, Elise Sheffield.

In a new organizational structure, he and Sheffield will now be working in tandem to ensure the continued health and vitality of the organization. Specifically, the Boxerwood Board of Directors has charged Bytnar with the financial stewardship of the BEA and management of Boxerwood’s facilities, including the buildings and gardens. Sheffield will continue as Education Director, with expanded responsibilities in the new collaborative arrangement.

Bytnar is excited about his new role as Managing Director at Boxerwood. “I find it inspiring to be part of such a dedicated team working to make our world a better place. I’m looking forward to helping advance the positive impact of Boxerwood programs on students in our area and preserve the magnificent collection of plants, shrubs, and trees that adorn our grounds,” he said. Bytnar retired in January 2008 following a career spanning more than 32 years as with the National Park Service. During this time, he has served as an interpreter, commissioned law enforcement ranger, naturalist, wildland firefighter, resource manager, emergency medical technician, search and rescue worker, supervisor, manager, mentor and instructor. He has documented his forestry career in a book entitled, A Park Ranger's Life: Thirty-two Years Protecting Our National Parks, published in 2010. Bytnar holds degrees in Parks and Recreation Management and Organizational Management and Development. He and his wife Linda Bytnar, a teacher at Waddell Elementary School, have lived in Rockbridge County since 1985. 

Photo above left: New Boxerwood Management Director Bruce Bytner and Education Director Elise Sheffield welcome people to Boxerwood as the a new organizational structure begins at the 32-acre Educational Facility and Garden. Bytnar will oversee the financial stewardship of the BEA and management of Boxerwood’s facilities and gardens. Sheffield will continue as Education Director, with expanded responsibilities in the new collaborative arrangement. (Photo by Patti Wood) Rockbridge Weekly