Phil Gaines is a Professor of Practice in the Parks Recreation and Tourism Management Department at Clemson University. Phil completed a 38-year career in State Parks in 2018, where he began his career as an entry level Park Ranger at Kings Mountain State Park. He served as Park Superintendent at three different state parks, and Assistant Director of State Parks, before serving as Director of South Carolina State Parks for 13 years. Phil has also served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of State Park Directors, and the National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers. He has severed as Past Chairman of the Board of Regents for the America’s State Park Leadership School in Wheeling West Virginia where he was an instructor for 13 years. Phil is a frequent presenter at various State and National Conferences in the US and Canada where he focuses on leadership, and innovative approaches to park management. Phil is a contributing writer for Southern Edge Magazine, and a contributor and co-host of The Park Leaders Podcast.

Awards and Recognitions:

The Fred Brinkman Award, presented by the South Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition is presented periodically to an individual who has consistently, over a long period of time, made an outstanding contribution to the tourism industry on a statewide level in South Carolina.

The American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration Legend Award for outstanding and noteworthy contributions to parks, recreation, and conservation in the United States.

The historic CCC Lodge at Table Rock State Park was designated and named The Gaines Lodge at Table Rock in 2019.

Distinguished Service Award for national leadership for America’s State Parks from the National Association of State Park Directors.

The George B. Hartzog Environmental Awards and the Walter Cox Award for Public Service and Leadership in Natural Resources, from Clemson University.

South Carolina’s Forever Green Public Servant of the Year (2019).  

Service:

Palmetto Conservation Foundation and the Palmetto Trail, Board of Directors

Upper Palmetto YMCA Camp Cherokee, Board of Directors.