Andrew Jackson Foundation announces first new president and CEO since 2008

The Andrew Jackson Foundation announced on Tuesday the appointment of Jason R. Zajac as its next president and CEO to replace Howard J. Kittell who retired in June after a 16-year tenure.

Zajac started with the nonprofit foundation that manages the former home of America's seventh president, The Hermitage, outside Nashville on October 2. Zajac is the seventh professional director of the organization.

Not only will Zajac be in charge of increasing the financial stability of the foundation and The Hermitage, but he will also oversee the maintenance and cultivation of educational and interpretive programming.

"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," Andrew Jackson Foundation Regent Pam Koban said. "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."

Prior to working with the Andrew Jackson Foundation, Zajac earned his bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Fordham University.

In 2006, he became a founding partner of Celsinus Partners in Maumee, Ohio where he made an impact in strengthening historical sites and nonprofit organizations across the United States.

"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," Koban said.

With a successful background in fundraising for schools, universities and healthcare organizations, he orchestrated campaigns for the National Cold War Center in Arkansas and the new visitor center for Old Faithful at Yellowstone Park. He also worked with the families of United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked and crashed on Sept. 11, 2001, to launch a fundraiser for the permanent memorial at the Pennsylvania crash 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.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Andrew Jackson Foundation announces first new president and CEO since 2008