Donna Gibson to lead Friends of Flight 93 organization
Somerset County resident Donna Gibson has been dedicated to telling the story of the passengers and crew of United Flight 93 for much of the last 20 years, and now her role has expanded in the nonprofit organization that is affiliated with the Flight 93 National Memorial.
Gibson was recently named Executive Director of the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial, the organization that works to inform and teach the public about the Flight 93 National Memorial and the heroism of the 40 individuals who are remembered there.
The last section:'It's well overdue': Route 219 has received $53 million in funding for its engineering and design phase.
She had just served three years as the Friends of Flight 93 board president and chose to opt out of another three-year term to accept the new position, according to a June 29 announcement from the organization.
Her new responsibilities as executive director include overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Friends organization and leading its partnership and fundraising efforts.
“I am honored by the board’s confidence in my leadership," Gibson said about her appointment. "After serving 11 years as a volunteer and six years in a leadership role, I have an intimate knowledge of the commitment necessary to support this National Memorial. I look forward to collaborating with the team to continue the forward movement of this organization.”
More local news:The Hillman Cancer Center is now open at UPMC Somerset. Here's everything you need to know
New business:Alora Therapeutics ready to help clients look and feel more confident
Gibson retired in 2021 as a vice president at First National Bank, headquartered in Pittsburgh. Her professional career included more than 30 years in the banking industry, as well as prior experience in nonprofit leadership as a former director of the Windber Healthcare Foundation.
Friends of Flight 93 board member Fred Lukachinsky was appointed to succeed Gibson as the organization's president. Serving with him on the Executive Committee are Emily Schenkel, vice president; David Finui, treasurer and Tom Rooney, secretary.
“We are grateful for Donna’s exemplary results and outstanding leadership while serving on the board," Lukachinsky said. "Our organization is in tremendous shape as we look forward to supporting this incredible memorial and educating new generations of people on the heroic events that transpired on United 93.”
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Donna Gibson named executive director of Friends of Flight 93
