The C&O Canal Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Patricia Barber as its new Director of Development effective March 1.
Barber comes to the Trust from the University of the Witwatersrand, a globally-ranked university located in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she was the university’s U.S. Development Officer. In that capacity, she launched a national fundraising program in the U.S. to expand support from the university’s U.S.-based alumni and from U.S. foundations and corporations. Prior to her position at the university, Barber was a Communications Consultant with The Whitaker Group, a consultancy specializing in trade, investment, and business in Africa.
She has also served as Director of Marketing and Development for Star Community (formerly Anita Lynne Home) in Hagerstown, MD, an agency providing residential and work programs and a therapeutic riding program for developmentally-disabled adults.
“Patricia brings to her new position a passion for the Park and the work of the Trust,” said Trust President Robin Zanotti. “Her exceptional communication skills and diverse fundraising background will be tremendous assets as she leads the growth of our development program.”
Barber commented, “The C&O Canal National Historical Park is a national treasure which brings together an extraordinary range of people, including inside-the-Beltway dwellers, suburbanites, farmers and rural folk from far western Maryland, and visitors of every age, nationality, and background from farther afield. For more than 35 years, I have been one of those privileged to live and play along the canal and I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to work with the dedicated board and staff of the C&O Canal Trust to ensure that the programs and resources supported by the Trust thrive and grow into the future.”
Barber is a longtime resident of Washington County and enjoys visiting the Park and taking advantage of the many activities that the canal offers, including hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing.
