SVBF Hires Zirkle as New Executive Director

New chief reflects organization’s desire to increase capacity to accomplish mission

For immediate release—March 30, 2009
Contacts:  Elizabeth Paradis Stern/SVBF: 540-740-4545 x205

NEW MARKET, Va.—Today the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation announced that it has selected W. Denman Zirkle as its new executive director.  Zirkle, a resident of Shenandoah County, has held positions in the finance industry since 1983 and is a trustee of the Civil War Preservation Trust and a member of the board of directors of the Valley Conservation Council.

Zirkle takes the position vacated by Howard J. Kittell last fall when he departed to become the President and CEO of The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s Presidential Home in Nashville.  Kittell had been the Foundation’s first director, a position he assumed in 2000 after having been the director of the federal commission that predated the Foundation.

The Battlefields Foundation is the non-profit manager of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, a National Heritage Area created by Congress in 1996 to protect, interpret, and promote the Valley’s Civil War battlefields and related historic sites.

Past Preservation and Partnership Accomplishments Lead to New Opportunities

“The Foundation has had tremendous success in building a battlefield protection program and preservation ethic here in the Valley and working with partners to share the Valley’s Civil War history,” said the Foundation’s Chairman Irvin Hess.  “As the board deliberated about this decision, it was clear that there was a strong interest in finding an individual who can increase the organization’s capacity, building on the Foundation’s previous accomplishments.  Members of the board were impressed with Denman’s strong abilities in this area.”

 “Denman possesses a significant record of achievement, leadership, and success,” said Nicholas Picerno, the Foundation’s Vice Chairman.  “Combined with his strong background and passion for Civil War battlefield preservation he will use his talents to advance the objectives and mission of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation.”

Expected to start his new position on April 1, Zirkle noted that he will focus on a variety of priorities as the group’s director.  “The Battlefields Foundation has protected a great deal of battlefield land here in the Valley so far—more than 2,500 acres directly and indirectly,” he said.  “But we have a great deal more to do and not much time to do it.  Thousands more acres remain unprotected and as development pressure increases throughout the Valley, we will have to redouble our efforts to work with landowners, state and local governments, and preservation partners to provide voluntary protection measures for these important landscapes.”

“In addition, as we acquire land and conservation easements, being strong stewards of these resources and ensuring that residents—both adults and schoolchildren—and visitors can learn from them will be an ongoing challenge for the organization.  These challenges are also tremendous opportunities for us and for our partners throughout the National Historic District, especially as we make plans to commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, starting in 2011.  I look forward to working with our board, the Foundation’s professional staff, and the extraordinary partners engaged in this effort to strengthen our capacity and make the most of these opportunities.”

Strong Background in Financial Management and Preservation

Zirkle has held a variety of executive positions in financial management for much of his career, working for firms such as Morgan Stanley, Lynch & Mayer, Franklin Templeton Investments, and Castle Harlan Partners III.  Currently he is engaged in beef cattle production in Shenandoah County as well as pursuing personal investments and various preservation interests, including involvement with the Virginia Historical Society, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and APVA-Preservation Virginia. 

A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Zirkle is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.  He is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.  He was married to the late Dagmar von Maltzahn and is the father of four children.

Selection Supported by NPS and Governor’s Appointees to SVBF Board

The choice of Zirkle to lead the organization was welcomed by the state and federal appointees to the Battlefields Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  The National Park Service and the Governor each appoint representatives to assist in the Foundation’s management of the National Historic District.

"National Heritage Areas rely on their ability to leverage support through effective partnerships with the communities in which they work," said Dave Ruth, the National Park Service designee.  "I am confident that Denman's leadership abilities, financial management background, and his exemplary work with other preservation organizations will strengthen the Battlefields Foundation's stewardship of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District."

Kathleen S. Kilpatrick, Director of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and Governor Tim Kaine’s designee to the Foundation’s board, agreed.  "Virginia must continue to build on an important partnership with the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation to accomplish our shared mission.  As the drive to preserve our battlefield lands takes on an urgency, we know we will be strengthened in the days ahead by the proven leadership, passion, and record of success of Denman Zirkle.  Bravo!"

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Note: A high-resolution photo of Mr. Zirkle can be downloaded using the link below.

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As authorized by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation serves as the non-profit manager of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, partnering with local, regional, and national organizations and governments to preserve the Valley’s battlefields and interpret and promote the region’s Civil War story.

Created by Congress in 1996, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District encompasses Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Highland, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren counties in Virginia and the cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Winchester.  The legislation authorizes federal funding for the protection of ten battlefields in the District: Second Winchester, Third Winchester, Second Kernstown, Cedar Creek, Fisher’s Hill, Tom’s Brook, New Market, Cross Keys, Port Republic, and McDowell.
 
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ON THE WEB:

Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District:
www.ShenandoahAtWar.org

National Park Service 1992 study of the Shenandoah Valley’s Civil War battlefields:
www.cr.nps.gov/hps/abpp/shenandoah/svs0-1.html

National Park Service National Heritage Areas Program:
http://www.nps.gov/history/heritageareas/

 

 

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