Longtime Lieutenant David Duncan to Replace Lighthizer as American Battlefield Trust President

Originally published October 2020 · p. 11

Following a unanimous vote by the organization’s Board of Trustees, longtime chief development officer David N. Duncan has been named the new president of the American Battlefield Trust. Duncan has spent more than two decades overseeing the Trust’s membership and development efforts that included raising nearly $240 million in private donations used to protect just under 45,000 acres of battlefield land. The appointment, effective October 1, 2020, comes after an eight-month search conducted by a leading national firm. “As I take up this challenge and look to the future, I am energized and optimistic, even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, because I truly believe that we are accomplishing work vital to the future of our country,” said Duncan. “As we approach the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026, we have an unprecedented opportunity to combine historic preservation, modern technology, compelling educational content, and groundbreaking media delivery platforms to engage vast audiences in learning about our nation’s history.” “The selection of a new president is the most important decision a board can make, and we are fully confident in our choice,” said Chairman of the Board of Trustees Thomas H. Lauer. “David Duncan was instrumental in the evolution of the Trust from its earliest days and many of its signal accomplishments over the last 20 years. We look forward to his leadership at a pivotal moment when the importance of telling the American story through its battlefields is greater than ever before. Our mission remains the same, to inspire Americans by preserving these special places and telling the stories of those who fought there.” Duncan’s appointment as president comes following the retirement of James Lighthizer, the beloved figure who has led the Trust since late 1999 and was responsible for its growth from a modest organization into the nation’s foremost historic land preservation group and a leading voice for history education. A former county executive and Maryland Secretary of Transportation, Lighthizer remains firmly committed to the organization, accepting a lifetime appointment to the Board of Trustees as president emeritus. “There is no one at the Trust who has worked more closely with me than David,” said Lighthizer. “Thanks to countless substantive discussions between us about strategy, management, mission, fundraising, personnel, advocacy, culture and philosophy, and all the rest, he already has a deep knowledge of the functions of all departments, as well as the support of his colleagues. I have no doubt he will hit the ground running, and not miss a beat.” A native Virginian, Duncan is a graduate of James Madison University. As the son of a respected and admired social studies teacher, his passion for history was cultivated from an early age, although he initially pursued a career in copywriting, serving as creative director at a small direct marketing agency that raised money for nonprofit and political causes. As the loss of historic landscapes made headlines, particularly in Virginia during the mid-1990s, he joined the young Civil War Trust as a dues-paying member. Duncan had unsuccessfully offered his professional services to the organization on a pro-bono basis before Lighthizer was appointed president upon a merger of two related conservation groups. To ensure that his next offer made it to the new CEO’s desk, Duncan sent it via certified mail, requiring Lighthizer’s personal signature. Four interviews later, Duncan followed his passions and began overseeing all fundraising, membership, and development functions.

How Can You Best Support the Trust During this Transition? As the Trust has no intention of slowing its preservation activities, donors will have ample opportunity to contribute to the acquisition of additional important battlefield landscapes. Beyond the impressive number of ambitious projects on the horizon, longtime members may also be interested in contributing to the Lighthizer Legacy Fund, which will enable future projects at battlefields hand-chosen by Jim for their central role in his achievements at the Trust and vision for its future. Please visit our website www.battlefields.org for more information.