Jackie Spainhour Named President & CEO of the Gettysburg Foundation

Dec 11, 2024

Jackie Spainhour Named President & CEO of the Gettysburg Foundation

Dec 11, 2024

The Board of Directors of the Gettysburg Foundation proudly announces that Jackie Spainhour will join as its new president and chief executive officer. Spainhour brings a wealth of innovation and leadership experience with historical organizations to support the Foundation’s mission. Her appointment marks a new focus on expanding public outreach, deepening community connections and advancing preservation efforts for the historic nonprofit.

Spainhour most recently served as President of the Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., where she elevated the institution’s visibility, engagement and fundraising efforts. Her experience fostering partnerships with the National Park Service, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and federal agencies is significant. This background positions her to build on the Gettysburg Foundation’s strong collaboration with the National Park Service and further advance its preservation and education mission.

“The Board is delighted to welcome Jackie Spainhour as the new President and CEO of the Gettysburg Foundation,” said A.J. Kazimi, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Jackie’s leadership embodies the vision and innovation needed to further our mission. Her proven ability to build partnerships and engage diverse audiences positions her to strengthen the Foundation’s impact, ensuring Gettysburg’s legacy inspires future generations.”

A certified fundraising professional, Spainhour built the Historic Congressional Cemetery’s development program from the ground up, integrating strategic research and meaningful engagement with donors, businesses and community partners. Her work resulted in a 43% increase in individual giving to the organization over a three-year period. She successfully launched the acclaimed “DC’s Greatest Undertaking” branding campaign, blending creativity and history to engage new audiences. Spainhour further demonstrated success in her role by increasing organizational capacity by 35%, allowing for the growth of staffing and resources to meet the needs of the institution as it served thousands of locals and visitors alike. A skilled leader of multigenerational and diverse groups, Spainhour brings a passion for accessibility and relationship-building to the Gettysburg Foundation.

“Gettysburg holds a profound place in our nation’s history, and I am deeply honored to lead the Gettysburg Foundation into its next chapter,” said Spainhour. “As we partner with the NPS to preserve and interpret this historic ground, my vision is to forge deeper connections with visitors of all generations, broaden our outreach and ensure that Gettysburg continues to inspire and educate for years to come. My family and I are eager to make Gettysburg our home and contribute to this remarkable community.”

Spainhour brings over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience, including prior roles as Director of the Hunter House Victorian Museum and as an adjunct history instructor at Old Dominion University. She has published several works on history and preservation, including A History Lover’s Guide to Norfolk and The Gilded Age in Norfolk, Virginia. Her academic credentials include a master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in History from Old Dominion University.

The Gettysburg Foundation owns and operates the LEED Gold-certified Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center in partnership with Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. The Foundation also owns and operates Children of Gettysburg 1863® in the Rupp HouseTM, the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital and the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad StationTM, preserving and interpreting these sites for visitors annually.