Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp appointed Matt Folz, the former Superintendent of the Chattanooga River Park and a veteran of Glacier National Park, as the new Director of Hamilton County Parks & Recreation and announced Karen Shostak, long-time event organizer and community leader, as the department’s new Deputy Director. Folz was unanimously approved by the County Commission Wednesday.

“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,” said Mayor Wamp. “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.”

Matt Folz has been appointed and confirmed as the new Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. Folz brings an innovative vision for our county’s parks and his expertise in this field will enhance the experience for current and future residents. Prior to coming to the county, he worked on projects and developed budgets at Glacier National Park and Kingsmill Resort.

Karen Shostak will join the Parks and Recreation Department as the new Deputy Director. Shostak is a widely respected community advocate who 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, Shostak will lead planning efforts for the annual County Fair.

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.