NASHVILLE, TENN.- The Andrew Jackson Foundation announced today the appointment of Jason R. Zajac as its next president and CEO. Noted for his success with national fundraising programs and board- and volunteer-focused engagements, Zajac will lead the nonprofit organization that manages The Hermitage, the former estate of the seventh U.S. president, as well as its museum, educational and interpretive programming, and preservation efforts. Zajac began his tenure on October 2, becoming the seventh professional director of the presidential site.
“Mr. Zajac has a keen understanding of the Jacksonian era and its pivotal role in U.S. history, recognizing that the history of the country is intertwined with the story of the person. He sees The Hermitage as a local community resource and a national treasure and understands its importance in preserving the totality of America’s story,” said Pam Koban, Regent of the Andrew Jackson Foundation. “The Board is eager to introduce Mr. Zajac to the Nashville community. We are certain that under his leadership The Hermitage will continue to be a national destination that exemplifies the best of preservation and historical education.”
Having been a founder and partner with Celsinus Partners in Maumee, Ohio since 2006, where he worked closely with philanthropic families and not-for-profit organizations, Zajac has made a remarkable impact in strengthening historical sites and nonprofit organizations across the country.
He orchestrated a nationwide capital campaign on behalf of the National Cold War Center in Blytheville, Arkansas, the country’s first official museum and research center dedicated to the study and interpretation of America’s victory in the Cold War. He spearheaded a major capital campaign to support a new visitors center for Old Faithful inside Yellowstone Park. And he worked with the Families of Flight 93 to plan and launch fundraising for the permanent memorial at the crash site for United Flight 93 in western Pennsylvania.
He also has experience with fundraising for schools, universities and healthcare organizations. In addition to his work through Celsinus Partners, he previously served as chief development officer of Allegheny Health Network, an eight-hospital system in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Zajac, who holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Fordham University, replaces Howard J. Kittell, who retired from the Foundation in June after a 16-year tenure. An executive search committee consisted of Koban; the Honorable Bill Koch, former Tennessee State Supreme Court justice; and former Regents the Honorable George Paine, the Honorable Emily J. Reynolds and Carol Yochem, President of First Horizon Bank and former Regent. The committee retained the Virginia-based recruiting firm Bryan & Jordan Consulting in the search.
As president and CEO of the Andrew Jackson Foundation, Zajac will be responsible for the continued preservation of The Hermitage, overseeing and increasing the financial stability and development efforts of the foundation; maintaining and cultivating educational and interpretive programming; and advancing state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure at the site.
“There are many exciting opportunities and developments in store for The Hermitage that will continue to strengthen its historical prominence in the U.S., and Mr. Zajac will be an impactful and proven leader for us as we expand the reach of our Foundation,” added Koban.
