{
    "title": "Craig Gemmell Named President of Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home",
    "modified_at": "2026-02-06 03:44:45",
    "published_at": "2025-10-30 21:30:00",
    "url": "https://hildene.prezly.com/craig-gemmell-named-president-of-hildene-the-lincoln-family-home",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/il6d",
    "culture": "en",
    "language": "EN",
    "subtitle": "Gemmell brings decades of leadership in education to his new role.",
    "slug": "craig-gemmell-named-president-of-hildene-the-lincoln-family-home",
    "body": "<p>&nbsp;</p><p>MANCHESTER, VT - The Board of Trustees of The Friends of Hildene, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of <strong>Craig Gemmell</strong> as the next President of Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, effective <strong>December 1</strong>. He succeeds <strong>Brian Keefe</strong>, who announced his retirement earlier this year.</p><p>Craig joins Hildene at a pivotal moment, as the organization expands its capacity for education and community engagement with the opening of <strong>Lincoln Hall in 2024</strong>, Hildene&rsquo;s new year-round programs and celebrations center.</p><p>&ldquo;I am thrilled to join this remarkable organization,&rdquo; said Gemmell. &ldquo;I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by the Lincoln family, the Board of Trustees, Brian, and the staff &mdash; and to be working with everyone who is dedicated to ensuring Hildene continues to live its mission.&rdquo;</p><p><strong>Bob Hallenbeck</strong>, Chair of the Board of Trustees, shared the Board&rsquo;s enthusiasm:</p><p>&ldquo;Craig is an exceptional educator, fundraiser, and team leader whose passion for purposeful community and learning aligns beautifully with Hildene&rsquo;s commitment to inspiring all generations through the Lincoln legacy. His values are Hildene&rsquo;s values: community, civility, integrity, and perseverance.&rdquo;</p><p>Hallenbeck also expressed gratitude on behalf of the Board and the greater Hildene community for <strong>Brian Keefe&rsquo;s six years</strong> of leadership:</p><p>&ldquo;Under Brian&rsquo;s guidance, Hildene strengthened its ability to deliver immersive experiences, innovative educational programs, and dynamic exhibits that serve as a catalyst for personal and societal growth. We are better prepared for the future because of his contributions.&rdquo;</p><p>Craig and his spouse, <strong>Nancy Hughes</strong>, reside in <strong>Rupert, Vermont</strong>. He brings decades of leadership in education to this role. Most recently, he served at <strong>Brewster Academy</strong> in Wolfeboro, NH &mdash; first as <strong>Head of School</strong> and later as <strong>President</strong>, guiding the launch of two international Brewster campuses in <strong>Madrid, Spain</strong>. \u200b He spent <strong>21 years at Groton School</strong> in Massachusetts as a faculty member and administrator, prior to Brewster. During his tenure at Brewster, the Academy completed a major fundraising campaign supporting campus infrastructure, program innovation, employee benefits, and need-based financial aid.</p><p>Craig holds a <strong>Ph.D. in Environmental Studies</strong> from Antioch University (Keene, NH), an <strong>M.A. in Environmental Science</strong> from Duke University (Durham, NC), and a <strong>B.S. in Biology</strong> from Trinity College (Hartford, CT).</p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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    "author": {
        "first_name": "Eileen",
        "last_name": "Foster"
    },
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