Montpelier Names Eola Lewis Dance as President & CEO
Career work demonstrates a commitment to the preservation of cultural landscapes, historic buildings, and key stories in telling the history of the making of America
Press release date: June 28, 2023
Orange, VA – The Montpelier Foundation (TMF), which operates James Madison’s historic home in Virginia, announced today that it has selected Eola Lewis Dance as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 14, 2023.
Dance has served as a public historian for more than 20 years with the National Park Service and in the nonprofit world. As Superintendent of Fort Monroe National Monument, a 565-acre cultural landscape, she guided research, operations, programming, maintenance, and economic sustainability. She identified, developed, and supported state and local entities in applying for grants; served as federal lead in the planning and implementation of philanthropic partnerships; and developed and managed agreements, reporting, and coordination with the National Park Foundation in planning for major gifts and prospective donors. Most recently, she was the executive director of Black Lunch Table. Responsible for its fiscal management and strategic vision, she organized literal and metaphorical lunch tables, bringing together artists and communities in dialogue around issues of race in recent history and legacies of the past.
Her career work demonstrates a commitment to the preservation of historic buildings, cultural landscapes, and key stories in telling the history of the making of America. A recognized leader in descendant community engagement, she has led global, national, and Virginia initiatives exploring topics of freedom, race, gender, and class through research, preservation, and storytelling.
“We are thrilled beyond belief to welcome Eola Dance as our new President and CEO,” said Hasan Kwame Jeffries, chair of the board of directors of TMF. “Montpelier is a national treasure, and Eola has the experience, expertise, enthusiasm, and vision to lead Montpelier to new and exciting heights.”
“I am honored to lead the Montpelier team and board as the site continues to make advancement in telling the full history of the Madisons, the African American experience, and the making of America,” stated Dance. “As a country, this time of year, we reflect on the American Revolution and the foundation of American ideals. Montpelier is an ideal place for all to explore this rich history.”
