Ford's Theatre Society Announces New Leadership For Capital Campaign

Ford's Theatre Society (FTS) announced today that Board of Trustee member Nick Chabraja, Chairman of General Dynamics, has been named chairman of The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Campaign, a $50+ million capital campaign to support the renovation of Ford's Theatre and its museum, as well as the building of the new Center for Education and Leadership.

In his new role, he will build upon the accomplishments of Rex Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation, who served as campaign chair since October 2007. Under Tillerson's leadership, the campaign has raised more than $50 million compared to an initial goal of $40 million. ExxonMobil committed $5 million to the campaign and an additional $1 million to assist with operating expenses.

According to Wayne Reynolds, chair of Ford's Theatre Society Board of Trustees, "We are in a great position financially and exactly where we had hoped to be at this point in time."

After having been closed for an 18-month renovation, the 144-year old Ford's Theatre reopened in February in connection with the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth. The re-imagined museum opened on July 15, and renovations to 514 Tenth Street, the building that will become the new Center for Education and Leadership, will commence later this fall.

"Now that the museum has opened, we have shifted our focus to the new Center for Education and Leadership, which will complete our vision for the new Ford's Theatre campus along Tenth Street Northwest, so this is a natural turning point in the campaign and a perfect time for Nick Chabraja to take on the role of chair," said Reynolds. "In tough economic times like these, we are being especially prudent with our resources. We are confident that under his leadership, we will be able to manage our funds efficiently so that we can meet our financial goal and break ground on the new center next year."

Chabraja has been involved with Ford's Theatre for a long time. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees for 12 years, serving on the Executive Committee and as vice chairman of the Board for the past three years. He has also held a leadership position within the campaign, serving as the Corporate Challenge Chairman for the past two years, and his efforts have resulted in many major corporate donations.

"I'm excited to expand my role in the campaign and continue the momentum that Rex has established," noted Chabraja. "Ford's Theatre holds an important place in American history, and this campaign will enable so many more students and life-long learners to experience Lincoln's legacy in a whole new way."

"We are grateful to Rex for his outstanding leadership and dedication and to ExxonMobil for their contributions to this campaign and ongoing support of Ford's Theatre Society," said Paul Tetreault, director of Ford's Theatre. "Rex agreed to raise $40 million and has raised more than $50 million, and he committed to a two-year term as chair and has graciously served beyond that. Clearly, he has gone above and beyond his commitments to the campaign."

Tillerson will continue to serve as vice chair on the Board of Trustees and as chairman emeritus of the bicentennial campaign.

About his replacement, Tillerson said, "I congratulate Nick and have utmost confidence in his ability to lead the campaign through to its completion. His knowledge of and proven dedication to the campaign will be a tremendous asset."

The Ford's Theatre renovation and expansion project has been made possible primarily through donations from private sources-individuals, foundations and corporations-as well as $8.9 million in federal funding and a recent $10 million grant, for the Center for Education and Leadership, from the District of Columbia. As the lead corporate donor, ExxonMobil has awarded the campaign a $5 million Leadership Circle grant and the State of Qatar has joined them with a $2.5 million gift. More recently, the Leadership Circle has expanded to include Ronald O. Perelman, Chairman and CEO of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc., with a $2.5 million pledge. BP America Inc. has provided a $2 million contribution, and $1 million donations have been provided by AT&T; Foster Wheeler; General Dynamics; Sheila C. Johnson, Founder of Salamander Hospitality, LLC; T. Boone Pickens Foundation; The catherine B. Reynolds Foundation/Wayne and Catherine Reynolds; David and Alice Rubenstein; The Paul Singer Family Foundation and Toyota.

The following corporations, individuals and foundations have also generously provided gifts of $500,000 or greater to this project: The Adelson Family Charitable Foundation, American Airlines, BAE Systems, Carl and Edyth Lindner, LockheEd Martin Corporation, The Freed Foundation, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, Raytheon Company, Southern Company and Sunoco, Inc.

About the Renovations

The Ford's Theatre "campus" will consist of the renovated theatre and a re-imagined museum, as well as the neighboring Petersen House (where President Lincoln died) and the new Center for Education and Leadership.

The newly opened, renovated theatre offers many conveniences and luxuries previously not available to visitors who come from across the nation and around the world. These include new seats, upgraded sound and lighting systems, improved heating and air conditioning systems, renovated restrooms, enhanced accessibility with elevators to the various levels, a spacious new lobby and entrance to the theatre, a new board room for special events and updated stage capabilities for casts and crews. These upgrades have made the theatre more audience-friendly while improving accessibility.

The re-imagined museum paints a picture of Washington, D.C., and the United States during Lincoln's presidency. It features new, interactive exhibits that tell the story of his presidency, from his arrival in Washington in 1861 to the legacy he left. A remarkable collection of historic artifacts are currently on display, including the deringer that John Wilkes Booth used, as well the clothes that Lincoln wore the night he was shot.

The new Center for Education and Leadership will be housed in a building purchased by Ford's Theatre Society, at 514 Tenth Street NW and directly across the street from the theatre. With an increased emphasis on education and leadership, Ford's Theatre will be a destination for school groups, teachers and families and a resource to support the social studies, English, Language Arts and leadership skills development of all young people and their teachers. It will offer students and teachers from around the country an enhanced opportunity to learn about Civil War Washington and the legacy of our 16th president.

About Ford's Theatre Society

Ford's Theatre Society is a not-for-profit corporation created to produce live entertainment on Ford's historic stage and offer educational opportunities for the general public. It is the mission of the Ford's Theatre Society to celebrate the legacy of President Lincoln and explore the American experience through theatre and education. For more information, log on to www.fords.org.