The National Park Service says Rick Slade has been named Superintendent of the Monocacy National Battlefield in Frederick County. He comes to the position from the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta, where he worked in Planning and Resource Management.

"Rick's varied background--from planning to project management, education and partnerships to conservation and historic preservation--will serve the park well as it prepares for the battle's sesquicentennial and plans for the future," says Park Service Regional Director Stephen E. Whitesell, in a statement. "His demonstrated support for employees' professional development and personal success is an essential quality of an effective superintendent."

Slade joined the National Park Service in 2002. In addition to serving at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, he was the chief of Education and Resource Management at Amistand National Recreation Area on the Texas-Mexico border.

Slade takes over as Superintendent of Moncacy in early March. "I am honored to be selected as the Superintendent of the Monocacy National Battlefield," Slade says in a statement. "One of the most rewarding aspects of working for the National Park Service is the opportunity to work beyond the park boundaries with a wide variety of stakeholders. I'm excited to explore these opportunities within the thriving area of Frederick. I look forward to working with park staff, partners and the community to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships and support for the park."