Spring 2000

Meet the New Executive Director

DCPL is delighted to announce that Donald J. Hasfurther has joined the League as its new Executive Director, effective March 27, 2000. Don brings strong strategic planning and program development skills to the League, as well as an ability to work with people of diverse and multicultural backgrounds. His professional experience is in the area of trade associations, international business, and government service. Most recently, he was Vice President of NPD Trading (USA), Inc., a company that he founded along with other colleagues in 1990. The company, which maintained offices in Washington, D.C., Prague, and Moscow, assists U.S. companies in establishing a business presence in the Czech Republic and Russia. Before that he was a senior manager of the International Division of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where his responsibilities included program development, legislative affairs, and international trade advocacy. Don holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia and an M.A. from Johns Hopkins University.

Don has a long-standing interest in local history and architecture. His family roots are in Washington, D.C. He and his wife have lived in the Logan Circle Historic District for more than 20 years, where they purchased and renovated an 1870s house. His interest in historic preservation led him to take courses in the subject through Goucher College, where he continues to enroll in courses that will be relevant to his new position with the League.

The Board of Trustees was particularly impressed with Donâs ability to organize and manage organizations, as well as his vision and ability to see and seize opportunities in challenging situations. The League continues to be the cityâs premier preservation advocate, and as the League approaches its 30th anniversary, Don is the prefect person to help build a stronger organization that will serve the community for another 30 years.

Commenting on the challenges facing the organization, Don states, ãMy immediate goals include increasing the Leagueâs presence in underserved neighborhoods, increasing membership, and increasing the number of paid staff to provide more comprehensive services. I am looking forward to working with our Board of Trustees, our many volunteers, and with the Leagueâs Administrator, Jerry Maronek, to achieve these goals.ä