Board of Trustees
Mark D. Perreault, Chairman
Mark is an attorney, preservationist, and conservation advocate whose work has significantly advanced historic preservation and battlefield protection efforts across Virginia. A resident of Norfolk, he is a retired in-house counsel for Norfolk Southern Corporation, where he built a distinguished legal career.
Perreault graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He later earned his law degree from Washington and Lee University, preparing for a career that would combine legal expertise with civic engagement.
Deeply committed to historic preservation and land conservation in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Perreault has held numerous leadership roles. He is a former president of the Norfolk Preservation Alliance and previously served on the City of Norfolk’s Historical and Architectural Preservation Commission. He was also a founder and president of Citizens for a Fort Monroe National Park, playing a key role in the successful effort to establish Fort Monroe National Monument in 2011.
Perreault continues to be active in preservation initiatives, serving on the boards of the Petersburg Battlefields Foundation, the Richmond Battlefield Association, and is a former trustee for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council of the National Parks Conservation Association. He and his wife, Karen, are longtime supporters of the American Battlefield Trust.
Together, Mark and Karen are actively engaged in the restoration of a historic period home located on the Second Deep Bottom Battlefield in partnership with the Richmond Battlefield Association, further demonstrating their shared commitment to preserving America’s historic landscapes for future generations.
Craig R. Stevens, Vice Chairman
Craig is a certified public accountant (CPA), author, and historic preservation advocate with a distinguished career in nonprofit financial management and more than two decades of leadership in battlefield preservation efforts. A lifelong student of the American Civil War and an avid supporter of the Shenandoah Valley’s historical legacy, Stevens has been actively involved in preservation initiatives for over 20 years, serving as a donor, board member, or staff member of preservation organizations since 2012.
Stevens earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Virginia Tech in 1983. He began his professional career at Aronson LLC in 1986, where he ultimately became Lead Partner and head of the firm’s Association Industry Services Group. Over the course of more than 20 years, he developed deep expertise in accounting, auditing, taxation, internal control systems, fundraising, and strategic planning, with a particular focus on nonprofit and association clients.
Recognized as a leader in his field, Stevens has delivered presentations for organizations such as the American Society of Association Executives, the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations. He has also been an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, ASAE, and the Finance Management Roundtable.
In addition to his professional and speaking accomplishments, Stevens is a prolific writer on nonprofit financial management. He has authored more than 30 articles addressing issues impacting nonprofit organizations and wrote The Nonprofit Controller's Manual, published by Warren, Gorham & Lamont. He also served as a co-author of the Financial Management Handbook for Associations and Nonprofits, a widely used resource published by ASAE.
Now retired from public accounting, Stevens resides in Warrenton, Virginia. He continues to pursue his passion for history and preservation and is currently writing a book on the history of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, further contributing to the understanding and conservation of one of America’s most significant historic landscapes.
James E. Pearman, Jr, Treasurer
Jim is a financial planner, author, and community leader with more than 50 years of experience in the financial services industry. In 2009, he co-founded Partners in Financial Planning, LLC, where he has built a reputation for delivering client-centered financial advice, with a particular focus on retirement planning and the needs of older adults.
Pearman is the author of Financial Planning for the Older Client, a widely respected resource on later-life financial strategies. His expertise has also been recognized in various local and national publications, where he has been quoted on topics related to personal finance and retirement planning.
Throughout his career, Pearman has remained actively engaged in advancing professional standards within the financial planning industry. He has been involved with the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors and the NAPFA Consumer Education Foundation, supporting fiduciary practices and consumer education initiatives. He has also served as an industry expert for the North American Securities Administrators Association Exams Advisory Project Group, contributing to the development and review of licensing examinations such as the Series 63, 65, and 66.
Pearman earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Virginia Tech. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he is deeply committed to community service. He has chaired the boards of Feeding America Southwest Virginia and Alta Mons Inc., and has served as Treasurer for the United Methodist Church. He also established the Pearman Annual Scholarship at Virginia Western Community College to support local students.
Pearman resides in Salem, Virginia, with his wife, Brenda. Outside of his professional and civic work, he enjoys staying active in his community and attending Virginia Tech Hokies sporting events, particularly basketball and football.
Thomas C. Mack, Secretary
Tom is an educator, U.S. Army veteran, and community leader known for his dedication to history, education, and cultural preservation. Born in Pennsylvania, Mack began his early career working as a state office clerk before pursuing a period of travel and diverse employment that took him as far as Hawaii. While living there, he held a variety of roles—including farming, landscaping, janitorial work, and serving as a school bus driver—experiences that shaped his strong work ethic and adaptability.
In 1979, Mack enlisted in the United States Army, embarking on a career that included assignments in Kentucky, Germany, California, and North Carolina. During his service, he worked as both a mechanic and an Arabic interrogator/translator, gaining valuable technical and linguistic skills.
After completing his military service, Mack transitioned into education. By 1988, he and his wife, Lesley, had both earned degrees in education and began teaching elementary school in Luray, Virginia. Mack later earned his Master’s Degree in Education from James Madison University in 1995. Together, Tom and Lesley dedicated 22 years to teaching before retiring in 2010, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.
Mack’s lifelong passion for history led him to found The Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers, a 20+ member, all-volunteer nonprofit organization devoted to preserving and sharing early American dance traditions. Since 2012, the group has raised and donated more than $60,000 toward land preservation efforts while educating the public about historical dance.
Since 2016, Tom and Lesley have further contributed to their community by opening their three-acre landscaped garden for public tours as part of the Page County Artisan Trail, combining their love of history, education, and local engagement.
Dr. William “Reyn” Archer, III
Reyn is an physician and public health leader with a career spanning medicine, government, and international health. Raised in Texas, Archer earned his undergraduate degree in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Texas in 1976 before going on to receive his M.D. from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1980.
Early in his career, Archer served four years in the federal Public Health Service, where he worked on global health initiatives in collaboration with the World Health Organization and USAID. His experience in both domestic and international health policy helped establish him as a leader in public health administration.
In 1997, Archer was appointed Commissioner of the Texas Department of Health by George W. Bush. He served in that role until 2000, overseeing statewide health programs and policy during a period of significant public health development. After his tenure in Texas government, Archer transitioned into the private sector, becoming Chief Medical Officer for Burson-Marsteller in 2005, where he provided strategic guidance on health communications.
Archer later moved into federal legislative work, serving as Chief of Staff for Jeff Fortenberry from 2016 until 2022. In this role, he advised on healthcare policy and legislative strategy until Fortenberry’s resignation.
Currently, Dr. Archer serves as a counselor to the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, continuing his long-standing commitment to advancing public health policy and leadership at the national level.
Alphonso P. Boxley, III
Al is an entrepreneur, business leader, and community volunteer best known for his long career as a McDonald’s franchise owner and his extensive civic involvement. Born in Beckley, West Virginia, Boxley was raised in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. He attended Virginia Tech, where he earned a degree in business management.
Following graduation, Boxley began his professional career with American Safety Razor, then a division of Philip Morris. While working there, he continued his education at James Madison University, earning a Master of Business Administration. In 1969, he also served his country by joining the United States Army Reserve as a drill sergeant.
Boxley entered the quick-service restaurant industry in 1977 when he opened his first McDonald's restaurant in Luray, Virginia. He later expanded his operations into western Maryland, where he built a successful portfolio of 12 restaurants. In 1997, he sold those locations and returned to the Shenandoah Valley, where he continued to grow his business, eventually owning 11 McDonald’s restaurants until his retirement in 2020.
In addition to his business achievements, Boxley has been deeply engaged in community service. He has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Frostburg State University Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Boy Scouts of America, M&T Bank (formerly American Trust Bank), WVPT Public Television, Blue Ridge Community College, and the Augusta County Economic Development Authority.
Childs F. Burden
Childs is an historian, financial professional, and leading advocate for historic preservation in Virginia, particularly in the northern Piedmont region. Widely recognized for his dedication to protecting cultural landscapes and promoting public understanding of regional history, Burden has played a central role in numerous preservation and conservation initiatives.
Burden attended the University of Virginia and earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, combining a strong background in finance with a lifelong passion for history. He is especially known for his leadership with the Mosby Heritage Area Association, which was established in 1995 to preserve and interpret the history of Virginia’s Piedmont. Through his long-term involvement, he helped develop educational tools—including maps and driving tour programs—that have enhanced public access to the region’s rich historical resources.
Burden has held numerous leadership roles in preservation organizations. He currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area after many years as its chair and president, and he previously served as chairman of the Land Trust of Virginia. His work has contributed significantly to land conservation and heritage tourism across the Commonwealth.
In addition to his preservation efforts, Burden has been active in the financial and corporate sectors, serving on the boards of Access National Corporation and Access National Bank, as well as Middleburg Financial Corporation prior to its merger.
His civic engagement extends to numerous cultural and conservation organizations. Burden has served as a trustee and chair of Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, and has held leadership or board roles with the American Battlefield Trust, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, the Loudoun County Historical Society (where he served as president), and the Loudoun County Heritage Commission.
In recognition of his extensive volunteer service and leadership, Burden was awarded the Loudoun Laurels Stewardship Award in 2008. Through his decades of work, he has had a lasting impact on preserving the history, landscapes, and cultural identity of Virginia’s Piedmont region.
Dr. William C. “Jack” Davis
Jack is a historian, author, and leading authority on the American Civil War and Southern history. A native of Independence, Missouri, Davis has built a distinguished career as a scholar and public historian, authoring or editing more than sixty books on Civil War–era topics and the broader history of the American South.
Davis is widely known for his work in public history and media. He served as a senior consultant and on-camera commentator for 52 episodes of Civil War Journal, which aired on the History Channel and Arts & Entertainment Network. He has also contributed as a historical consultant to numerous film and television productions, including The Blue and the Gray, George Washington, The Perfect Tribute, and Field of Lost Shoes, the latter based in part on his book The Battle of New Market.
In academia, Davis served for thirteen years as Professor of History and Executive Director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies at Virginia Tech before retiring in 2013. His scholarship and contributions to the field have earned him numerous honors, including four Jefferson Davis Award recognitions, as well as the Richard Nelson Current Award and the John Y. Simon Award. He has also been nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize.
Among his many publications is The Whartons’ War: The Civil War Correspondence of General Gabriel C. Wharton and Anne Radford Wharton, 1863–1865, published by the University of North Carolina Press. Through his extensive writing, teaching, and media work, Davis has played a significant role in shaping modern understanding of the Civil War and its enduring impact on American history.
Senator Christopher T. Head
Senator Head is a businessman and politician serving in the Virginia Senate, representing the 3rd District since 2024. A Republican, Head previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2012 to 2023, where he focused on issues related to healthcare, business development, and community services.
Head was born and raised in Commerce, Georgia, and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1985 with a Bachelor of Music degree. He later built a career as an entrepreneur in the senior care industry. Alongside his wife, Betsy, he owns and operates Home Instead locations in Roanoke and Lynchburg, Virginia, providing in-home services that enable seniors to remain in their homes. Their business was recognized as Small Business of the Year in 2009.
In addition to his legislative and business roles, Head has been actively engaged in his community. He has served on the boards of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. He is also involved in his church, serving as a deacon and choir member at Bonsack Baptist Church.
Head and his wife reside in Botetourt County, Virginia, and are the parents of three children: Victoria (Tori), Abigail (Abby), and Michael.
William B. Holtzman
Bill is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader renowned for his impact on Virginia’s business and educational communities. He is the Founder and President of Holtzman Oil Corp. and co-owner of Liberty Gas.
Holtzman began his education at Massanutten Military Academy and went on to attend Virginia Tech, then a cadet school, where he earned a degree in horticulture in 1959. He later earned a master’s degree from Cornell University and worked for Byrd Orchards before entering the energy industry.
In July 1972, Holtzman purchased Nelson Oil Co.. Over the next five decades, he grew the business into the Holtzman Corporation, which today employs over 300 people and operates divisions in propane, heating oil, construction, ice distribution, and food services. Holtzman has been recognized for his contributions to the Commonwealth, including being named Outstanding Virginian of the Year in 2012, celebrated with the first “Bill Holtzman Day” in Mount Jackson on July 9, 2024, and honored as a Living Legend by Virginia Business in 2025.
A devoted supporter of his alma mater, Holtzman has made significant contributions to Virginia Tech, including the Holtzman Alumni Center, which bears his name. He has supported initiatives such as the Corps of Cadets, the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund, and the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies, and currently serves on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. Through his business leadership and philanthropic efforts, Holtzman has left a lasting legacy on both the economic and educational landscape of Virginia.
Patrick M. Kenney
Pat is an accomplished National Park Service (NPS) leader and conservation professional with a distinguished career spanning more than three decades. He most recently served as the superintendent of Shenandoah National Park and Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park until his retirement in 2024.
Kenney previously held the position of deputy superintendent at Yellowstone National Park beginning in January 2017, where he managed the operations of 2.2 million acres, a staff of approximately 800, and an annual base budget of $35 million. Prior to Yellowstone, he served as superintendent of Cape Lookout National Seashore starting in 2011, where he enhanced public access by awarding a ferry service contract, establishing two gateway facilities, and opening the Beaufort Visitor Information Center.
Earlier in his career, Kenney served as Planning Branch Chief at the NPS Denver Service Center. He began his NPS career in 1990 at Big Cypress National Preserve as a natural resource manager, where he successfully secured funding and completed multiple natural resource restoration projects while engaging in a broad range of planning initiatives.
Kenney holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute’s Leadership for Democratic Society program and is a Project Management Institute–certified Project Manager.
Allen L. Louderback
Allen is a seasoned business leader, civic volunteer, and public servant from Luray, Virginia, with a long record of contributions to his community and state. He is a past Chairman of the Board for the Battlefields Foundation, serving from 2014 to 2016, and has been President of Louderback Enterprises since 1976.
A 1966 valedictorian of Luray High School, Louderback earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Virginia Tech in 1970. Early in his career, he worked as a Management Analyst for the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Louderback has been actively involved in civic and service organizations, including serving as president of both the Luray Rotary Club and the Luray Kiwanis Club. He has also held important state-level appointments, including membership on the Commonwealth Transportation Board beginning in 2008 and the Virginia Cave Board in 2023.
In public office, Louderback served three terms in the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 15th District from 2000 to 2006, where he was named Legislator of the Year by both The Family Foundation in 2002 and the Commissioners of Revenue Association of Virginia in 2003. He also served on the Page County Board of Supervisors from 1992 to 2000 and returned to the board in 2020, continuing his commitment to local governance and community development.
J. Roderick “Rod” O. Graves
Rod is a business and cultural leader from Luray, Virginia, known for his work in heritage tourism and historic preservation. He serves as Vice President of Luray Caverns, one of the most visited caverns in the United States, where he oversees daily operations and contributes to the management and development of the site.
In addition to his executive role, Graves is the Curator for both the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum and the Toy Town Junction Museum, helping to preserve and interpret the historical and cultural artifacts on the property.
Graves is actively engaged in regional preservation and cultural initiatives. He serves as Vice President of the Page County Heritage Association, is a member of the Shenandoah Valley Folklife Society, and participates in the Virginia’s Preservation Board. He also previously chaired the Page County Sesquicentennial Committee, guiding community efforts to commemorate the county’s 150-year heritage.
Colvin G. “Gregg” Ryan
Gregg is a businessman, equestrian, and community leader based in Middleburg, Virginia. A native of upstate New York, Ryan is the President of Lee & Mason Financial Services Inc., a firm providing lender-placed insurance and related financial services.
Ryan attended prep school in Concord, Massachusetts, before earning his undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University. He began riding horses at the age of four and developed a lifelong passion for equestrian sports. Over a career spanning several decades as an amateur jump jockey, Ryan achieved 147 victories, setting a record at the time for amateur riders. He retired from racing in April 2010 at age 50, concluding his career with a victory at the Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point in Rappahannock County, Virginia.
In addition to his business and equestrian pursuits, Ryan is active in community and historical causes. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Americans in Wartime Experience, contributing to efforts that preserve and share the stories of American service members.
Keven M. Walker, Chief Executive Officer
Keven is the Chief Executive Officer of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and came to the Foundation from Antietam National Battlefield, where he served for 11 years as a Ranger, a Cultural Resources Specialist, and the Acting Cultural Resource Program Manager.
During that time, Walker served as a member of the National Park Service’s national advisory team on cultural resources and historic preservation and graduated from the GOAL Academy, the National Park Service’s highly competitive leadership program.
Walker was formerly the Executive Director of The Walker Foundation for Historic Preservation in Charles Town, West Virginia and operated a tour company in Gettysburg. He has appeared on several Maryland Public Television documentaries focusing on the Antietam Battlefield as well as historic homes in Washington County, Maryland. He is the author of “Antietam: A Guide to the Landscape and Farmsteads.” Published in 2010.
Walker came to the Foundation as it’s third Chief Executive Officer in June of 2014 and was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2025.
Linda C. Wheeler
Linda is a retired journalist and historian recognized for her contributions to Civil War scholarship and local civic engagement. A former metro reporter and photographer for the Washington Post, Wheeler spent much of her career covering news and capturing images with an emphasis on storytelling and historical context.
Since retiring, she has remained an active member of the Strasburg community as a freelance writer, historian, and volunteer. Wheeler contributed a recurring Civil War–focused column to The Mountain Courier, and her historical research and reviews have been featured in the Shenandoah County Historical Society newsletter. Her writing emphasizes the history and culture of the Shenandoah Valley and the Civil War era, helping to preserve and share the region’s heritage.
Residing on East King Street in Strasburg, Wheeler continues to be a dedicated advocate for the town’s historical character and cultural legacy, using her experience in journalism and historical research to educate and inspire the community. She frequently participates in local government and planning meetings, contributing perspectives informed by community history and preservation.
James R. “Richie” Wilkins, III
Richie is a Winchester, Virginia–based business leader, real estate investor, and community philanthropist with longstanding ties to economic development, education, and civic service in the Shenandoah Valley.
Richie Wilkins has served as an Independent Director for First Bank (Strasburg, Virginia) and its parent company, First National Corp., since 2001, providing strategic oversight and governance honed through decades of business leadership.
He is President of Silver Lake Properties, Inc. and serves as General Partner for Wilkins Investments, L.P. and Wilkins Enterprises, L.P., all of which focus on real estate investment, development, and property management in the region. His professional work reflects a deep engagement with local economic growth and the built environment.
Wilkins is also actively involved in philanthropic and educational leadership. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Shenandoah University, continuing a family legacy of support for the institution. The Wilkins family’s philanthropy has been recognized through named facilities such as the Wilkins Health & Fitness Suite, which supports student learning in health professions at the university.