We’re pleased to see that a foundation that manages some of the most important historic locations and assets in the United States will remain under stellar leadership in the years ahead.

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation saw the leadership change when the calendar turned, as Christy Coleman took over as executive director from Philip G. Emerson.

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and the Jamestown Settlement are vital pieces of our collective heritage. Preserving these historic sites, the many artifacts in their care and their research and educational legacy is of critical importance.

Emerson is leaving the foundation after 33 years. His institutional knowledge is unparalleled, and he has ushered the foundation and its historic sites through many anniversary commemorations, renovations, growth and technological changes.

Coming in to carry on the critical work of the foundation is Coleman, who is a Williamsburg native who worked at Colonial Williamsburg as a young woman and then again in a professional role for several years in the 1990s. She has great experience in the field and looks forward to helping the sites continue to draw visitors, diversifying their staff and offerings, and forging relationships with other organizations and agencies to which the foundation has close ties.

We wish Emerson a rewarding and restful retirement and are excited to welcome Coleman back to the area and see what new directions she will take the foundation.