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Fredericksburg, Va., October 20, 2026 — The George Washington Foundation announces the retirement of President and Chief Executive Officer William E. Garner in December of 2026, concluding 23 years of dedicated service to the organization. Under Garner’s visionary leadership, The Foundation has strengthened its commitment to preserving and interpreting George Washington’s boyhood home at Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore while deepening public understanding of the lives, values, and legacies of the Washington and Lewis families. His tenure has helped shape The Foundation’s historic sites, archaeological discoveries, educational programs, and long-term sustainability, leaving an enduring mark on the organization and the region.
During Garner’s leadership, The Foundation achieved significant milestones in historic preservation and public engagement. These accomplishments include the restoration and refurnishing of Historic Kenmore to the era of its completion in 1775. The 2008 discovery of the Washington house archaeological remains at Ferry Farm launched a successful $40 million capital campaign that Garner spearheaded, enabling the construction and furnishing of the replica Washington House. Also completed were the Great Oak Pavilion for events and education, the Cellar House, and Quarter, further enhancing period interpretation and the surrounding landscape.
The Foundation also created endowments for its Archaeology, Curatorial, and Education Director positions. Meanwhile, archaeological work has yielded more than one million artifacts and the excavation of five Washington-era buildings, offering invaluable insights into the history of the Washington family and the people who lived and worked at Ferry Farm.
"Bill Garner has been an exceptional leader and advocate for The George Washington Foundation," said Dave Muraca, Director of Archaeology and Vice President of Content for The Foundation. "His commitment, enthusiasm, and tenacity have helped The GWF build a remarkable record of accomplishment. His steady guidance has helped The Foundation navigate difficult times and emerge stronger and better positioned for the future."
Public events were also expanded to include large-scale events such as Shakespeare on the Lawn at Kenmore, Ferry Farm's annual Fabulous Fourth of July, and George Washington's Birthday celebration at Ferry Farm. The museum properties have seen thousands of community members visit to enjoy family-friendly, educational entertainment.
Beyond these tangible achievements, Garner strengthened The Foundation’s financial health and its operational sustainability. His leadership helped position the organization to care for its historic resources, expand educational opportunities, and continue sharing the complex stories of the people connected to these sites. As he prepares to retire, The Foundation extends its deep gratitude for his extraordinary commitment and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
Former Board Chair, Ron Davis, summed up Garner's accomplishments, "I have had the pleasure of working with Bill since he first arrived. As Board Chair I marveled at the positive transformation he made. While the list of accomplishments during Bill's tenure is long, a few that stand out include considerable strengthening of The Foundation's financial base, facility improvement and enhanced furnishings at Kenmore, and the discovery and construction of replicas of the boyhood home and outbuildings at Ferry Farm. The many accomplishments have been nothing short of extraordinary."
Not only did Bill help build up the physical landscape of The Foundation's assets, but he built heartfelt relationships with partners and leadership. Articulating the feelings of many, GWF Trustee Fielding Lewis Cocke shared, "Truly, Bill with his wife, Tricia, have stood with, directed, and helped build this legacy along with supporters and donors of The George Washington Foundation. The Trustees, Regents, and staff offer a heartfelt goodbye to Bill and Tricia while remembering their amazing contributions to the history of the properties and the memory of those who inhabited them."
"For more than 20 years, Bill has led The George Washington Foundation in a dynamic and very personal way," Regent Chair Tink Crawford began. "Working with Bill is like working with a good friend or a family member. He makes a point of knowing everyone involved in The Foundation, their families, and the Fredericksburg community, which strengthens our efforts to work for The Foundation. Bill and Tricia are good friends of mine - and of many others - and we all wish them a well-deserved retirement."
Current Board Chair Robert M. Johnson said, "Having known and worked with Bill Garner for many years, I have come to admire not only his exceptional leadership, but also his unwavering devotion to The George Washington Foundation and its mission. Bill has been the heartbeat, guiding its growth, strengthening its purpose, and inspiring others to share his passion for preserving our nation's heritage. He will be greatly missed, but his extraordinary dedication has left The Foundation stronger, more vibrant, and well-positioned to carry its important mission into the future." He ended on a personal note, "I am proud to call him both a respected colleague and treasured friend."
Following a comprehensive national search, The Foundation’s Board of Trustees appointed Adam I. Kane as the next President and Chief Executive Officer. Kane has served as Executive Director of the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury, Vermont since 2013, following leadership roles at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, where he ultimately served as Co-Executive Director. Trained as an archaeologist, Kane brings a distinctive combination of experience in nonprofit leadership, historic preservation, collections stewardship, education, and public interpretation.
Throughout the search, Kane distinguished himself through his strategic vision, proven leadership, and appreciation for the educational, preservation, and public service missions central to The Foundation. Kane’s first day will be Monday, November 16, when he will assume responsibility for The Foundation’s operations, historic resources, educational initiatives, fundraising, community partnerships, and long-term strategic priorities.
To ensure a smooth transition, Kane will work closely with Garner during November and December, allowing time to transfer institutional knowledge and maintain continuity across key initiatives. The Foundation is grateful for Garner’s commitment to supporting this process and is confident that Kane’s experience and mission-driven approach will build on the organization’s accomplishments while guiding its next chapter. As The Foundation looks to the future, it welcomes the opportunity to introduce Kane to its staff, Regents, Trustees, volunteers, partners, and the broader community while continuing its work to preserve history and make the stories of the Washington and Lewis families meaningful to generations to come.
Media Contact:
Lori Pikkaart, Marketing & Communications Director
The George Washington Foundation
pikkaart@gwffoundation.org / 540-373-3381 x1024
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