Brad Roberts has served the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) for over 30 years and was recently recognized as the Park’s 2021 Employee of the Year.
Originally from Winston-Salem, Brad started serving the GSMNP when he was 16 years old, and it all began with a move to Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in Cherokee, N.C.
“I’d lost interest in school. I quit high school and was at an alternative learning center, working at a fast-food restaurant and just trying to get by.”
In the summer of 1991, Brad enrolled in Job Corps. He earned his GED within three months, enrolled in the Welding program, then eventually switched to Carpentry once he saw an opening. He became a board member of his campus disciplinary team, was an orientation leader and eventually moved to the honors dorm.
“I would bunk with the new people coming in to help them with their first two weeks on center. My job was to make them feel comfortable, show them around campus, and help them decide on a trade and future.”
“Job Corps helped me with my social skills tremendously. I learned the value of diversity and pushed myself past my comfort zone. That mindset helped me climb the ladder on campus and throughout my 30 years with the Park Service.”
Once Brad graduated from Job Corps in 1992, he started training with the GSMNP to become a full-time employee.
“I walked out with Carpentry training, a GED, a toolbox and a lot of life lessons. I learned that you can depend on people, make friends and create your own brotherhood.”
Brad moved up the ranks and became a laborer, then a maintenance worker, then was promoted to maintenance work leader. He was transferred into the carpentry division with the Park as a sign maker, then supervisor for buildings and utilities, then eventually his current role as maintenance mechanic supervisor.
“I’ve gotten to touch a lot of people’s lives through the years, and each one has touched mine. Being able to do what I do now, hiring people, gives me the chance to hire as young as I can. I want to give young people the opportunity I had,” Brad said.
When looking back at his first impression of Job Corps, Brad shared, “When I left Winston-Salem, I figured Job Corps was a disciplinary program from the court system. I never thought staff would put their hearts into you. They pushed me to better myself and keep going as much as my parents did. They were behind me 100%.”
For those considering Job Corps, “Staff members are genuinely interested in seeing you make something of yourself. That stuck with me. They didn’t know me from anybody when I showed up there; but once they saw I was trying, they really helped me. I believe things happen for a reason. I was put in that position to better myself and help others.”
Brad now lives in Sevierville with his wife, Karen, with whom he has four children and three grandchildren.
He plans to either move into the Buildings branch manager position over the entire park or remain in his current role before eventually retiring in a few years. Upon retirement, Brad plans on traveling, volunteering in campgrounds, fishing, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his grandkids.
Graduated from Job Corps in: May 1992 Employer: Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina Phone: 865-805-1799 Email: brad_roberts@nps.gov Submitted by: Lydia Henry