Justin Unger joins ExplorUS

Justin Unger joins ExplorUS as senior vice president of strategy, bringing over two decades of public service and national park management experience to enhance the company's visitor services and operations. The article Justin Unger joins ExplorUS first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Mar 28, 2025 - 09:36

OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS – ExplorUS announce the appointment of Justin Unger as senior vice president of strategy. Unger, a seasoned professional with more than two decades of public service experience, joins the organization following a distinguished career at the National Park Service (NPS).

Unger oversaw a broad portfolio of more than 400 commercial service operations as the NPS associate director for business services. He managed the NPS’s recreation fee program, national campground program, contracting program, and financial assistance program – ensuring that millions of visitors across the country could enjoy enhanced recreational offerings in America’s national parks.

Before stepping into his position at NPS headquarters, Unger served as deputy superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks. During his tenure, he provided leadership for the parks’ day-to-day operations, guided the recovery efforts following Hurricane Irma, and drove the planning, design, and construction of a new hotel, restaurant, and visitor center in the Flamingo District. His focus on both environmental and economic sustainability led to a significantly improved visitor experience.

Unger’s deep roots in park management extend to his work as chief of administration for the National Mall and Memorial Parks, where he managed budgets, staffing, and operations for some of the nation’s most iconic monuments and memorials. His career path also includes service at Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland, and seasonal ranger roles at Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful District and Mount Rushmore National Memorial – early assignments that sparked his passion for visitor service and stewardship of public lands.

Originally from Overland Park, Kansas, Unger earned a bachelor’s degree in U.S. History and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas. As a husband and father of two, Unger said he is deeply committed to the outdoors and enjoys traveling, fly fishing, and cycling — hobbies that align perfectly with his lifelong dedication to preserving natural and cultural treasures.

ExplorUS CEO Frank Pikus said in his new role at ExplorUS, Unger will bring his extensive expertise and enthusiasm for visitor-focused service, furthering ExplorUS’s mission of delivering exceptional experiences in natural and cultural destinations.“Justin’s background in local government, working with gateway communities, and business leadership will greatly enhance the strategy of the company,” Pikus said.

ExplorUS, based in Overland Park, Kansas, is a family-owned company with almost 30 years of experience operating national, state, and local park concessions, including 15 National Park locations. Overall, ExplorUS provides concession services at nearly 160 locations nationwide.

The article Justin Unger joins ExplorUS first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.