Marion County Conservation Director Steve Edwards officially retired on Friday and his son Cale will now take over as the department’s new director. 

Steve spent the last 44 years as Marion County Conservation Director, and a retirement open house was held for him on Friday. Cale takes over the role with plenty of experience, having spent the last 11 years as Executive Director for the Hancock County Conservation Department. Steve says he is proud of all that the department has been able to accomplish during his time as director and that he is excited for his son to take over the reins.

“I can’t thank the staff that I’ve had, and the Marion County Conservation Board members that I’ve had, and the Board of Supervisors that I’ve had over the years for all their support. You’re as good as your staff is and I’ve been blessed to have a really good staff. To have Cale come down and take over is incredibly exciting and we’re looking forward to having him coming, and I know he is really looking forward to being here.”

Hear more from Steve on Monday’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.