TDEC Deputy Commissioner Brock Hall, State Senator Mike Bell, Ranger Angelo Giansante, and State Rep. Dan Howell
The Hiwassee/Ocoee Rivers State Park in Polk County has a new manager. TDEC Deputy Commissioner of State Parks Brock Hill made the announcement at the park office in Delano. Mr. Hill was joined by State Rep. Dan Howell and State Senator Mike Bell as Angelo Giansante was named Head Ranger.
“Angelo has done a great job as interim manager” Mr. Hill said. “He has distinguished himself through his leadership, work ethic and dedication. He is driven to excel and I am sure we have chosen the right person for the job.”
Mr. Giansante is a U.S. Army veteran, having served as a sergeant with the 212th Transportation Company with a tour in Iraq as a squad leader. His tenure with the state park system began at South Cumberland State Park where he worked as a seasonal interpretive re-creator. He has been a park ranger since 2007 when he was transferred to the Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park.
“Angelo distinguished himself in his new post," said Senator Bell. “He developed the successful Ocowassee Festival and played a key role in the park’s programming efforts.”
He has also been an active member of Tennessee State Parks’ Special Operations and Response Team, which adds another layer of expertise to the state parks system and the local community.
“Angelo’s community involvement is also impressive” Rep. Dan Howell said. “When he discovered that Polk County High School has never had a wrestling program he volunteered to develop one and be the unpaid coach. In the team’s first year of competition last February Angelo took seven wrestlers to the state tournament. They finished third out of 12 teams.”
Ranger Giansante was well equipped for the task. He is the only state champion wrestler from La Vergne Tennessee High School, capturing that title in 1997.
As the new head ranger, Mr. Giansante will oversee the first river managed in the State Scenic River program.