• M. Ann Belkov

  M. Ann Belkov, retired, National Park Service

  Former Superintendent of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

  With special guest, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly

  During her tenure as CCNMP Superintendent, Ann Belkov accomplished three major feats that distinguish her among past superintendents and remain highly relevant today. She organized the Friends of CCNMP, which began fundraising in 1986 for the expansion of the Visitor Center at Chickamauga Battlefield. Following that success, she rallied support for the restoration and installation of the James Walker mural in the new Visitor Center at Lookout Mountain Battlefield (the painting had been in a storage shed for more than 35 years). Finally, almost alone, she prevented a four-lane divided highway from being constructed through the middle of Chickamauga Battlefield. 

  Retired Superintendent Belkov will discuss how engagement between the National Park Service and the community was instrumental to the success of these achievements and how essential community engagement to current and future successes given current staffing and budget challenges. She and Mayor Kelly will describe the potential for linking Chattanooga's National Park City designation with the tremendous resources of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, including Moccasin Bend National Archeological District.