ACBS selects new Executive Director

We are pleased to announce that the position of ACBS Executive Director has been filled. On Friday October 29, 2021, Lora Nadolski Hanson accepted our offer to become our new Executive Director. The Board had the great pleasure to have Lora attend the Fall Budget and Planning meeting this past weekend. She will be starting on a full-time basis with us on Monday, November 29, 2021. We are looking forward to a very smooth and seamless transition as Dan plans for his well-deserved retirement at the end of the year. Dan has graciously agreed to provide us any integration support we may need following his departure.

The search committee received over 40 applications for the position. After reading resumes, exchanging e-mails, conducting countless “Zoom” meetings and interviews, Lora emerged as our leading candidate and one who can effectively lead ACBS into the future.

Lora lives in Clayton, New York, with her husband Aaron (where they are avid boaters). This places her right down the street from ACBS Headquarters and will provide us with a great presence for our members and the Clayton community.

Lora brings over 15 years of non-profit experience to the ACBS. She began her career with the Antique Boat Museum as Curator of Education in 2005. While at the ABM she served several roles culminating in Director of Public Programming. In 2013 Lora became the Executive Director of the Tahoe Maritime Museum, she was responsible for all full and part-time staff members as well as contract personnel. While there she worked with the Board of Directors to create the museum’s strategic plan for both operational and developmental needs. She organized fundraising events including exhibition openings and an annual fundraising gala. Lora was also able to prepare private and corporate grants for various museum projects. This is something she hopes to enact for the ACBS.

Lora built and managed the museum’s annual operating budget; she was directly responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization. Lora’s responsibilities also included marketing, social media, and advertising. She also served as the editor of the quarterly member newsletter, The MariTimes.

Lora is proficient in many software systems used by ACBS including QuickBooks for finances and Word Press for the website.

Lora already has a firm foundation in the Antique and Classic boating community. She is both willing and excited to expand her existing relationships with all of you to help us further the ACBS’s mission and allow us to continue “always making history.”

As Dan Gyoerkoe works diligently to hand off his duties as our Executive Director, I want to thank him for his tireless efforts and unending commitment to ACBS and our mission. With little fanfare he AWAYS made sure every detail was attended to and the member came first. His tenure with ACBS established a high bar for dedication. Please join me in wishing him calm seas and sunny days in retirement.

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the search committee for their exhaustive efforts over the past three months, chaired by Ed Andrews and consisting of Don Leutz, Rich Lepping, Kathy Parker, Gail Turner, Tim Bush, Terry Fiest and myself.

We are pleased the search has resulted in such an outstanding candidate. Please join us in welcoming Lora as she begins her career with ACBS.

Rob Lyons, ACBS President