Board of Trustees Bids Farewells and Welcomes New President

Jan Briscoe, Esq. and Ellen Zahniser

At the October 23, 2009 meeting, the Board of Trustees for Historic Sotterley, Inc. bid farewell to three trustees as it voted in a new Board President. Stepping down from the Board in 2009 are Nancy Dodge, Dr. Maggie O’Brien, and Board President Ellen Zahniser, and all three trustees were thanked for their dedication and years of service. Jan Briscoe was unanimously voted in as the new President of Historic Sotterley, Inc.

A special tribute was paid to Ellen Zahniser at Café des Artistes following the meeting, not only for her 10 year tenure on the board, but for serving her last years as President of the Board. Dick Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, was present at the event, and awarded Ms. Zahniser a commendation for her tireless efforts on behalf of Sotterley. Board of Trustee Vice President Julia Moe also paid tribute to Ellen as did others, and Ms. Zahniser’s generosity of spirit and can-do attitude will leave an impressive legacy behind, with special credit for starting and growing Riverside WineFest at Sotterley.
Historic Sotterley, Inc. is extremely fortunate as it continues its Board leadership with new President Jan Briscoe. Ms. Briscoe came onto the board in 2006, and is well aware of this National Historic Landmark’s challenges and special needs. A descendent of former owners of Sotterley, Ms. Briscoe follows in her father’s footsteps, the Honorable John Hanson Briscoe, who also served as Board President during the 1990’s. Her dedicated leadership will serve Sotterley well in the upcoming year.