New Directors Appointed in Four NHAs

Philadelphia, PA (April 24, 2019) – Over the past year, new executive directors have been appointed in four National Heritage Areas (NHAs) across the country.

Executive Director Shauntee Daniels of Baltimore National Heritage Area

BNHA Photo

Shauntee Daniels was selected as executive director of Baltimore National Heritage Area (Maryland) in April 2019. Daniels has worked for Baltimore NHA for eleven years. During that time she’s had great success spearheading the Heritage Neighborhood Program and Neighborhood Placemaking Grants Program, among other projects.

Interim Executive Director Julie Chacon of Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area

SdCNHA Photo

Julie Chacon was named interim executive director of Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (Colorado), also in April. Chacon served as Sangre de Cristo NHA’s financial officer for five years and has also been working with neighboring Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area.

Executive Director Devon Kurtz of Blackstone River Valley NHC

Blackstone Heritage Corridor Photo

Devon Kurtz was appointed executive director of Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (Massachusetts and Rhode Island) this past January. Kurtz joined the organization in 2014 and was instrumental in the creation of Blackstone River Valley NHC’s new visitor center in Worcester, MA, which opened last November.

Executive Director Mackensie Wittmer (National Aviation Heritage Area) and Superintendent Kendell Thompson (Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park) explore the Wright Company Factory buildings in Dayton, OH.

NAHA Photo

Mackensie Wittmer is now leading the National Aviation Heritage Area (Ohio). Wittmer, who was hired as the deputy director in 2014, took over the reins of executive director last August. National Aviation Heritage Area works closely with Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.

All four of these NHAs are managed by 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, and the directors will report directly to their boards. Learn more about NHAs.

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