Tina M. Cappetta will serve as the next superintendent of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. She begins her assignment January 21.
Cappetta is currently the superintendent of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Hampton National Historic Site and Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, a position she’s held since 2011. In this role, she gained grant support for field trips for Baltimore City fourth-graders, created a living history employment program for youth and led a curriculum-based education and paddle program with partners.
“Tina has built successful teams and strong partnerships throughout her career,” acting National Capital Area Director Lisa Mendelson-Ielmini said. “I admire the spirit of collaboration she brings to her relationships with National Park Service employees, partners, stakeholders and volunteers.”
Cappetta has previously served as superintendent at Women’s Rights National Historical Park where she led the rehabilitation of the Wesleyan Chapel. Earlier experience includes chief of interpretation and resources management at Booker T. Washington National Monument, education specialist at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and park ranger at Colonial National Historical Park and Gettysburg National Military Park.
She has more than 31 years of experience and will replace Joseph Brandt, who retired from the C&O Canal this past fall.
“I look forward to returning to C&O Canal where I served as chief of resources management 15 years ago, Cappetta said. “Although a lot has changed, a lot has stayed the same — C&O Canal is a fascinating and beautiful park with exceptional staff, dedicated volunteers, committed partners and wonderful communities. I’m honored and eager to lead the team in the park’s next chapter, including celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2021.”
Cappetta earned a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland. She holds certificates in the context of environmental policy from George Washington University and legislative studies from the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University.