LBJ Museum of San Marcos is pleased to have David Vela presenting at the Fall Lecture scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 26. Vela’s lecture, “A Portrait of Lady Bird: Memories of a Friend and former Superintendent of the LBJ National Historical Park” will be thoroughly enjoyed by all fans of Lady Bird and the Johnsons.
Vela, a former LBJ National Historical Park Superintendent and retired Deputy/Acting Director of the National Park Service, will share his experiences with the former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, and the impact she had on his life and career. As superintendent, Vela was responsible for the overall management and operation of the national historical park, and worked closely with Mrs. Johnson and the family in achieving these interests.
Vela and his wife, Melissa were raised in Wharton, Texas and are both graduates of Texas A&M University. David retired from the National Park Service in September 2020 after 30 years with the agency, most recently serving as deputy director, exercising the authority of the director. He also served as chair for the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. Vela was the first Latino to be nominated by the President of the United States to serve as director of the National Park Service.
