The Board of Directors of the Gettysburg Foundation has appointed Wayne E. Motts as the Foundation’s new president to lead the operations of the national preservation and education organization.
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 has a robust preservation and education mission that includes land and artifact preservation, educational events and programs. It also owns and operates the Rupp House History Center, the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital and the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad StationTM.
Motts most recently served as CEO of The National Civil War Museum located in Harrisburg, Pa., successfully leading the institution for nine years. Previously, Motts served as Executive Director of the Adams County Historical Society, located in Gettysburg, Pa., and was named its Director Emeritus in 2019.
“I am honored to be named the next president of the Gettysburg Foundation,” said Motts. “I look forward to working with the Foundation’s board, staff, volunteers and key partners— especially Gettysburg National Military Park and the Eisenhower National Historic Site—in advancing the Foundation’s mission. As a small boy dreaming of one day living and working in Gettysburg, my life now comes full circle with this wonderful opportunity.”
A long-time resident of Adams County, Pa., Motts has been a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Military Park for 33 years and now holds the title of Guide Emeritus.
“We are proud to have Wayne lead our operations into the future,” said Barbara Finfrock, co-chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Wayne has been a champion of Gettysburg for many years, and we are confident in his vast knowledge of history, leadership experience and talents as our new president.”
Motts received his Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Military History from The Ohio State University and holds a Master of Arts in American History from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. He is an accomplished author, publishing books and articles about the Civil War including, Trust in God and Fear Nothing: General Lewis A. Armistead and Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg: A Guide to the Most Famous Attack in American History, which he co-authored.
An expert in the field, Motts has appeared on numerous television documentaries and videos produced by the History Channel, American Heroes Channel, TNT Network and A&E Channel.
“We are thrilled to welcome Wayne to our team, especially during this critical time as we emerge from the impact of the pandemic,” said Craig Bashein, co-chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “His enthusiasm and passion for sharing the importance of the Battle of Gettysburg in the greater context of the American Civil War and our country’s history, combined with his keen understanding of museum and nonprofit operations makes him an ideal candidate to join us as our new president.”
Motts will assume the responsibilities as the Foundation’s new president May 24, 2021.