Shawn Benge, the superintendent of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, has been promoted to serve as deputy director of the National Park Service's nine-state southeast region and will be leaving the local park on August 16.
Kay Parish, executive director of the Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, said Mr. Benge announced his impending move Wednesday afternoon to the national military park employees, volunteers and friends group officials
"It is our understanding that Shawn will be responsible for national park lands along the Gulf of Mexico, areas close to our hearts right now as America experiences what is being called the most serious natural disaster in our history," Ms. Parish said.
She said Mr. Benge has just returned from a four-month temporary assignment as Acting Deputy Director in the Region's headquarters in Atlanta.
"Honestly, it came to no surprise ... that the NPS recognizes his exceptional skills and talent and has acted to put them to work for the NPS across our broader region," she said. "He has made a great difference during his time here," she said.
In his written announcement to the Friends, Mr. Benge said his three years at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has been rewarding.
"The Park is truly a national treasure that enjoys tremendous support from the many communities it surrounds and serves," he said.