Gettysburg Foundation Names a New President

The Gettysburg Foundation today announced the selection of Rear Adm. Richard A. Buchanan, USN (ret.) as president. Buchanan will take over for Robert C. Wilburn, who retired from the Foundation this summer. Buchanan begins work on Oct. 19.

“Rear Adm. Buchanan’s experience in the military, in finance and with nonprofit organizations represents the perfect leadership mix for the Gettysburg Foundation,” said Foundation Chairman Robert A. Kinsley. “His skill set is a perfect complement to our unique and important partnership with the National Park Service.”

Buchanan most recently served as the president and chief executive officer of the United States Navy Memorial Foundation in Washington, D.C. Before that, he was vice president of undersea systems at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems and has also worked at Electronic Data Systems as the deputy for strategic operations on the Navy Marine Corps Intranet Program. Following his retirement from military duty, Rear Admiral Buchanan was the vice president of corporate services for First National Bank of Omaha and the president of the Midlands Venture Forum in Nebraska and Iowa.

“I am honored to join the team at the Gettysburg Foundation in its important partnership with the National Park Service,” said Buchanan. “Gettysburg’s enduring legacy is an inspiration, and I look forward to working to ensure that that legacy is preserved for future generations.”

“Rear Adm. Buchanan is an excellent choice for the Gettysburg Foundation and a perfect fit for this important partnership at Gettysburg," said Dr. John A. Latschar, Gettysburg National Military Park superintendent.

The Gettysburg Foundation is a private, non-profit educational organization working in partnership with the National Park Service to enhance preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg. The Foundation raised funds for and now operates the Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, which opened in April 2008. In addition to operating the Museum and Visitor Center, the Foundation has a broad preservation mission that includes land, monument and artifact preservation and battlefield rehabilitation—all in support of the National Park Service’s goals at Gettysburg.

For information about the Foundation, about visiting Gettysburg, or how you can become a part of the history of Gettysburg through your contribution, visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org or call 877-874-2478 or the administrative offices at 717-338-1243.