Meet Antietam National Battlefield's next superintendent

Antietam National Battlefield in southern Washington County is getting a new superintendent next month.

Andrew Banasik, who is now superintendent at Monocacy National Battlefield in Frederick County, Md., will take over as Antietam's superintendent on May 19, according to a National Park Service release.

"As a long-time Civil War history enthusiast, I'm humbled to be chosen to care for such a consequential treasure of American history," Banasik said in the release. "I'm excited to bring my passion for caring for park staff and resources, serving our visitors and partnering for the future."

Overseeing site of the bloodiest single day in American history

The Battle of Antietam on Sept. 17, 1862, was the bloodiest single day in American history. According to statistics provided on the park's website, 22,720 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded or missing/captured.

"Andrew is an exceptional leader with more than 25 years of park experience and has shown a commitment to the park staff and resources, and to fostering community relationships," Regional Director Kym A. Hall said in the release.

"At Monocacy, he integrated the park's natural and cultural resources management programs, and preserved and protected historic structures, archeological sites, historic landscapes and wildlife habitat. He also expanded recreation opportunities by improving trails and park viewsheds. I believe he will bring that tenacity and creative problem solving to his new role at Antietam," Hall said.

Get to know Antietam's new superintendent

Banasik began his National Park Service career as a seasonal park ranger at Monocacy in 1997.

He also has worked at Catoctin Mountain Park in northern Frederick County and for the National Capital Region Exotic Plant Management Team.

Before becoming a superintendent, Banasik served as Monocacy's chief of resource management.

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He earned his bachelor's degree in history from Shepherd College (now Shepherd University) in Shepherdstown, W.Va. Banasik also earned a master's degree in environmental science and policy from George Mason University in Virginia.

Banasik lives in Loudoun County, Va., with his wife and two children.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Antietam National Battlefield is getting a new superintendent