News Release

Marie Frías Sauter named Superintendent of Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

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Marie Frías Sauter is the new superintendent of the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.

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News Release Date: December 19, 2024

Contact: John Harlan Warren, 215-908-3159

Baltimore – Marie Frías Sauter has been selected as the 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.”

"I look forward to working with these three sites which are deeply embedded in the history of Baltimore, Maryland and the nation," said Frías Sauter. "Together we have the opportunity to elevate the important stories and newer scholarship of these parks as we near the 250th anniversary in 2026 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 National Park Service 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 serving as superintendent of 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.
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Last updated: December 19, 2024

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