The Historic Trust has selected David Pearson to lead the nonprofit as its third CEO/President, according to Mike Williams board member and interim CEO. David Pearson will join the staff as the new CEO/President on September 16.
For 22 years, Pearson served in professional museum management at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, in Astoria Oregon. Most recently, he was the Executive Director at the World of Motorsports Museum in Wilsonville, Oregon. Pearson has led mission-based organizations in fundraising, strategic planning, building community partnerships and expanding STEM –based educational opportunities. He has served as the President on the Council of American Maritime Museums and was exclusively invited to join Getty Museum Leadership Institute in 2010 for a professional development program.
Pearson has been a Northwest resident for more than 20 years, and most of his professional career has been in the nonprofit sector. He earned a B.S. in Art and Communications from Carroll College in Wisconsin and an M.F.A. in Historic Preservation at Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia.
“I am honored and privileged to be joining The Historic Trust. I look forward to getting to know my new community and continue building on the strong success of this organization,” Pearson said. “Vancouver is at the very center of the history of the Pacific Northwest, and the work of The Historic Trust has been vital in preserving that history. I am anxious to start sharing our story, and helping The Trust grow regionally and nationally, as well.”
Board Chair Stacey Graham stated, “We are very excited to welcome David. He brings a wealth of historic knowledge and leadership experience to The Historic Trust. His work in developing new local and regional partnerships, and commitment to expanding preservation and historic property management efforts are critical to our future.”
Mike Williams added, “David has a deep understanding and connection with the Pacific Northwest. His civic leadership, combined with his extensive nonprofit experience, uniquely position him to support our mission and vision.”
