News Release
You are viewing ARCHIVED content published online before January 20, 2025.
Please note that this content is NOT UPDATED, and links may not work. For current information,
visit https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/index.htm.
NPS Photo
Subscribe
 |
What is RSS
|
Contact: John Harlan Warren, 215-908-3159
Baltimore – National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Deputy Regional Director Kirsten Talken-Spaulding has selected Marie Frías Sauter as superintendent of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Hampton National Historic Site and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, all based in Baltimore. She begins her new role early next year.“As we prepare for the 250th anniversary of American independence, strong leadership is essential to guide these iconic parks,” said Deputy Regional Director Kirsten Talken-Spaulding. “At White Sands National Park, Marie demonstrated extraordinary vision, spearheading initiatives that transitioned the site from a national monument to a national park and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Her ability to manage complex projects, protect fragile resources and plan for the future makes her the perfect choice to lead Fort McHenry, Hampton and the Star-Spangled Banner Trail into the 21st century.”
"After many amazing years in New Mexico,” said Frías Sauter, “I am particularly impressed with how staff have steered these sites into the 21st century. All three of these sites are deeply embedded in both the Baltimore and Maryland communities and I look forward to working with them. Together we have the opportunity to elevate the important stories and newer scholarship of these parks as we near the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It will be an honor and a privilege to serve these parks and their communities.”
Frías Sauter brings a wealth of experience to the role. Since 2012, she has served as superintendent of White Sands National Park, New Mexico’s largest and most visited NPS site. Under her leadership, the park achieved an historic redesignation in 2019, becoming a national park after negotiating a landmark land exchange with the U.S. Department of the Army. She also advanced visitor access, upgraded facilities and supported groundbreaking research on fragile paleontological and archaeological resources.
Her NPS career spans over three decades and includes leadership roles at White Sands and Fort Union National Monument, as well as positions at Shenandoah National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Prince William Forest Park and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Starting as a volunteer in 1988 at Great Smoky Mountains and Biscayne National Parks, she has worked as a park ranger, natural resources manager, Geographic Information Systems coordinator and biologist. She earned a B.A. in geography from the University of Georgia in 1982.
Marie and her husband, Rodney Sauter—a Baltimore native—are thrilled to reconnect with Maryland’s rich history, family and the Chesapeake Bay’s natural beauty.
About Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. During the Battle of Baltimore on September 13 – 14, 1814, the soldiers' valiant defense of Fort McHenry against the mighty British Navy inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” After the War of 1812, the fort continued to be used in multiple ways until World War II. Learn more at www.nps.gov/fomc and on Facebook and Instagram.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov and on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.
Last updated: December 19, 2024