News Briefs

Monocacy National Battlefield’s New Superintendent

Originally published February 2021 · p. 28

WASHINGTON, D.C.— National Park Service (NPS) acting Area Director Lisa Mendelson-Ielmini has named Andrew Banasik as the superintendent of Monocacy National Battlefield, Md. Banasik began his NPS career as a seasonal employee at the battlefield and has 23 years of NPS experience. He begins his new assignment this week. Banasik currently serves as the acting superintendent of Monocacy National Battlefield. Under his leadership, Monocacy National Battlefield staff have expanded park programs and stories to reach new audiences, fostered relationships with partners and community stakeholders, and completed projects to better preserve resources and improve visitor access. “Andrew is an exceptional leader with a vast knowledge of park resources at Monocacy National Battlefield,” Lisa MendelsonIelmini said. “He’s shown a commitment to the park staff, to collaborating with the local community, and to telling a more complete and inclusive history of the events and people of Monocacy.” Banasik previously served as the chief of resource management at Monocacy National Battlefield. In this position, he integrated the park’s natural and cultural resources management programs, and preserved and protected historic structures, archaeological sites, historic landscapes, and wildlife habitat. He also expanded visitor access by improving trails and park view sheds. “I am humbled and honored to be chosen as the superintendent at the park where I first began my NPS career,” Banasik said. “Monocacy National Battlefield has an important history, exceptional employees, dedicated partners, and great neighbors. I look forward to leading our team in preserving this incredible park and sharing its stories with visitors.” Banasik earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Shepherd College (now Shepherd University) in 1993 and a masters degree in environmental science and policy from George Mason University in 2006. Banasik lives in Loudoun County with his wife, Jen, and their two children, Josh and Bekah.