“Great Smoky Mountains National Park is surrounded by incredible communities with a long tradition of supporting the park,” said Cash. “I look forward to meeting and working with park neighbors as we continue building relationships and partnerships that enable us to protect this special place together.”

• 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at the main entrance to the park on U.S. 441 near Cherokee. 

• 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Historic Calhoun House in Bryson City.

There will be two open houses in Tennessee as well.

Cash came to the Smokies from his post as superintendent of the Boston African American National Historic Site and Boston National Historic Site. He also has a background working with the U.S. Forest Service. 

The open houses are Hosted by Friends of the Smokies, Great Smoky Mountains Association and Historic Calhoun House.