Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum News


	For Immediate Release: May 9, 2007	Contact: Jill Burwitz (217) 558-8970 office (217) 299-6165 cell
	Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation names Christian G. Kersten to lead fundraising efforts Kersten brings over 30 years of development experience to Library Foundation Springfield, Ill. — The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation (ALPLF) announced today the appointment of Christian G. Kersten of Hillsdale, NY, as Chief Advancement Officer. In this capacity, Kersten will lead fundraising efforts for the private, not–for–profit organization whose primary mission is to support the exhibits and programs of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM). The Foundation selected Kersten after conducting a national search. "We are very fortunate to be able to attract someone of Chris Kerstenís background and skills to work with us at the Foundation," said Rick Beard, Executive Director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum. "The depth and breadth of his experience as a leading advancement professional nationally and his personal interest in Lincoln promise great things for the Foundationís ability to continue to support the growing number of programs at the museum and library." "I am grateful for the unique opportunity to serve the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum at this important time, and look forward to working closely with the Foundationís board, staff and volunteers in achieving the levels of support that will guarantee its place as the foremost presidential library and museum in the nation. Our sixteenth president deserves no less," said Kersten. Kersten has over 30 years of fundraising experience that includes: President of The Berkshire-Hudson Group, Albany, NY, 2003 — 2007. Provided strategic counsel to educational, health-related, cultural, and other not-for-profit organizations. Senior Vice President and Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Albany Law School, 1997-2003. Planned and successfully implemented the five-year $25 million comprehensive Realize the Future capital campaign. Overall development progress increased from $1.1 million to $5.7 million annually. Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director, the University at Albany Foundation, Inc. University at Albany, State University of New York, 1988-1997. Planned and successfully implemented a $55 million capital campaign in conjunction with its Sesquicentennial celebration. When completed three years ahead of schedule in late 1996, it was the largest and most successful campaign among public higher education institutions in New York State and cited in The New York Times for its pace-setting achievement. Director of Development, the Norman Rockwell Museum at Stockbridge, Mass., 1987-1988. Assistant Chancellor for University Development and Executive Director of the University of California at Santa Barbara Foundation, 1983-1987. Associate Director of University Development, Tufts University, 1980-1983. Associate Director of Development, Clark University, 1976-1980 Director, Colleges of Fine Arts & Sciences, Alumni Federation, New York University, 1974-1976 Director of Annual Giving, Manhattan College, 1972-1974. Kersten, 58, received his B.A. in Political Science from Long Island University. His post-graduate studies include the Graduate School of Public Administration at New York University, the University of California Management Institute and the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management. ###