County Mayor Weston Wamp has named Matt Folz as the county parks director. Karen Shostak, a long-time event organizer and community leader, will be deputy director.
Mr. Folz previously was superintendent of the Riverpark.
Prior to that, he served at Glacier National Park before coming to county government two years ago.
County Mayor Wamp said he chose to advertise the post and received 35 applications from across the country.
He said, “Hamilton County has a generational opportunity to build on a legacy of strong recreational facilities and continue to showcase the beauty of our region to locals and visitors alike. Matt Folz and Karen Shostak are dynamic and passionate leaders who will guide the future community use of McDonald Farm and help us maximize county lands for the benefits of all its citizens.”
Ms. Shostak has served in leadership roles with the Tivoli Theater Foundation and Friends of the Festival. In addition to bringing operational leadership and enhancing community relations within the Department of Parks & Recreation, she will lead planning efforts for the annual County Fair, it was stated.
The Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department oversees three regional parks in the county – the Tennessee Riverpark, Chester Frost Park, and Enterprise South Nature Park, as well as McDonald Farm and the 15 community parks. In addition to the daily operations of Hamilton County parks, the new leadership will also oversee marquee community events such as the mountain bike races at Enterprise South, Haunted Trails, and the County Fair.