Gia Wagner has been appointed as the acting superintendent through May. Prior to this appointment, she held the position of Superintendent at Andersonville National Historic Site.
"I am excited for the opportunity to further all the good work happening at both parks. I look forward to engaging with our partners and stakeholders and learning more about the nationally significant resources at Cumberland Island National Seashore and Fort Frederica National Monument," Wagner expressed in a news release dated February 4. The same release highlighted that the South Atlantic-Gulf Regional Office is actively seeking a permanent replacement for the position.
Wagner's LinkedIn profile reveals that she has dedicated over two decades of her career to the US National Park Service. Her journey with the agency commenced in August 2003, initially serving six years and four months as a biologist-resource program manager before transitioning into the role of chief of resource management division. Subsequently, Wagner filled the position of Natural Resource Branch Chief for eight years, prior to her tenure as Superintendent-Park Manager at Andersonville National Historic Site.
Fort Frederica National Monument, located on St. Simons Island, was established in 1733 by Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe. The monument was created to safeguard the Georgia colony from Spanish attacks originating from what is now known as Florida, according to historical information available on its website. Fort Frederica combined a military installation with a settlement, occupying a fortified 40-acre space enclosed by an outer wall spanning one mile in circumference, according to records on its history page.
Cumberland Island National Seashore marked its 50th anniversary in 2023. The seashore features six campgrounds or campsites offering various activities such as guided tours of Dungeness Ruins—a mansion built in 1884 for Thomas Carnegie—beachcombing, swimming, or collection of empty shells. Visitors can also explore Plum Orchard Mansion, constructed for George Lauder Carnegie and Margaret Thaw in 1898. Additionally, the First African Baptist Church, Ice House Museum, and Sea Camp Ranger Station are located on the island, as per information available on the park's website.
