A Virginia native, Hurst–Wender has been a leader in public history and the museum field for two decades, the foundation said late Wednesday. Most recently, she was director of museum operations and education for Preservation Virginia. There, she managed five historic sites, including the John Marshall House, Scotchtown and Bacon’s Castle.

“Jennifer was selected based on her vision and experience in organizational leadership,” says Keith Hoffman, president of the Germanna Foundation board of trustees. “Her demonstrated skills in building teams, leading and developing people, engaging in strategic planning, driving results, and guiding change within the history field makes us confident that Jennifer is the ideal person to take on this leadership position.”

She will replace Tim Sutphin, who resigned June 24 to pursue a business opportunity after 30 years in the museum world. He had held the post for more than three years.

Hurst–Wender expressed enthusiasm at joining the Germanna foundation’s…