East Ridge City Manager Tim Gobble announced that Marvin “Stump” Martin has been selected as the city's first director of parks and recreation.

Since 2008 Mr. Martin has served as the director of parks and recreation for the city of Rossville, Ga. Prior to this position, he was a reporter/sports writer for the Chattanooga Times Free Press for 20 years, hosted regular sport talk shows on ESPN radio, served as managing editor for Tennessee Football Magazine, served as sports editor for the Catoosa County News and hosts the “Stump on Sports” TV show.

Mr. Gobble said, "Stump Martin is a well-known area sports enthusiast, director and promoter. He has been instrumental in developing young people throughout the area not only in athletics, but in life. He has developed an outstanding reputation for enhancing the quality of people’s lives through involvement and support on all levels of sports and recreation.

“Stump Martin has a wealth of experience and involvement in local sports leagues and events. We are proud to have him join the city of East Ridge to work with all volunteers, parents, coaches and players to progress the city’s athletic programs and facilities forward and to new heights. I am confident in his abilities and look forward to working with him.”

As part of Mr. Martin’s new position, he will be responsible for the overall management of East Ridge Parks and Recreation operations, personnel and budget. He will coordinate the management and operations of all athletic leagues, both recreational and select programs. He will work with newly appointed city athletic advisory boards to coordinate and manage the numerous volunteers, coaches, parents, players, officials and schedules that make large-scale athletic programs successful. He will be responsible for recruiting and developing sporting events and other events such as concerts, sports clinics, trade shows, tournaments and other activities to be held at Camp Jordan Arena, Camp Jordan Park, the amphitheater and East Ridge Community Center.

Mr. Martin will start at the city of East Ridge on Wednesday, but will continue to assist Rossville in the coming weeks as they transition to a new director.

The East Ridge Commission recently voted to move away from an arrangement where private associations ran the sports program at Camp Jordan.