Mary Manges
Executive Director
office@fortligonier.org
Mary Manges, Fort Ligonier’s longtime Director of Education was named Director in May 2020 and Executive Director in February 2022. Ms. Manges leads operations, assists with fundraising and the development of new educational opportunities to broaden Fort Ligonier’s audience. Ms. Manges is passionate about improving the lives of children through history education. Her nine years spent developing imaginative educational programs instilled an appreciation and love of 18th-century history to thousands of students who have visited the Fort, which led to rapid growth and success for Fort Ligonier’s Education Department. She has received high marks from educators and parents alike for the positive impact her learning experiences have had on their children.
Ms. Manges, a certified K-12 principal, spent eighteen years in the classroom, and has an extensive background in curriculum development.
Ms. Manges holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s Degree in Education.
Julie Donovan
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
office@fortligonier.org
Julie Donovan has served as Fort Ligonier’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations since 2016. A graduate of Seton Hill University, Ms. Donovan has dedicated her career to promoting the area’s signature attractions and enhancing tourism for her hometown and the region.
Prior to joining the Fort’s team, Ms. Donovan served as the Vice President of Communications for the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Laurel Mountain Ski Resort, and the Executive Director of the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Donovan is thrilled to lead the Fort’s marketing and public relations strategies and to work with the Fort team on hosting both private and Fort events and programs.
Lauren Koker
Director of Development
office@fortligonier.org
Ms. Koker joined Fort Ligonier's team in August 2023 after leading the charge for several other area non-profit organizations. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director of the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor and Latrobe Art Center. Ms. Koker's career experience also includes positions with Westmoreland Heritage and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. Ms. Koker and her husband Bill are members of the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foote / Captain Thomas Graham's Company. They plan to enlist their toddler, Nathaniel.
Matthew Gault
Director of Education and Living History
office@fortligonier.org
Matt Gault was named Director of Education in May 2020 after serving as the Assistant Director of Education for more than six years. Mr. Gault’s career began at Fort Ligonier as a college intern while enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Upon graduation, he was selected to join Fort Ligonier’s Education Department.
During his time at the Fort, Mr. Gault has received several prestigious recognitions including the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau’s 2017 Tourism Employee of the Year Award and the PA Museums Carol Wickkiser Award presented to an outstanding young museum professional.
Mr. Gault leads the development and production of Fort Ligonier’s educational initiatives including the new, exciting virtual events and field trips that have reached students as far away as Hawaii, California, and Utah and visitors from across the globe.
David Swank
Assistant Director of Education
office@fortligonier.org
Mr. Swank's love for Fort Ligonier began with an internship while enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 2018. During his college years, he continued to work at the Fort part-time and was an essential member of the education department. Upon graduation, Mr. Swank accepted a classroom teaching position before returning to the Fort as the Assistant Director of Education in April 2022.
Eric Lebo
Director of Preservation and Restoration
office@fortligonier.org
Eric Lebo is only the third historic restorationist to oversee the preservation and restoration work of the historic site since the first phase of reconstruction began in 1949. Mr. Lebo follows the succession of two of the finest historic preservationists of the 18th-century, Mr. Charles Morse Stotz and Mr. Brad Mooney. Mr. Lebo, an apprentice-turned-master under the careful guidance of Mr. Mooney, has established his own legacy for exceptional work.
Meghan Budinger
Director of Collections and Exhibitions
office@fortligonier.org
Fort Ligonier welcomed Ms. Budinger as its new Collections Manager in February 2023. She has a wealth of experience and is quite familiar with George Washington and the 18th century. Ms. Budinger previously served as the Aldrich Director of Curatorial Operations for The George Washington Foundation, which owns and operates two historic sites in Fredericksburg, Va. - Historic Kenmore, a restored 18th-century Georgian house, and George Washington's Ferry Farm. The latter is an impeccable reconstruction of Washington's boyhood home based on primary and archaeological evidence.
Candace Gross
Executive Assistant/Museum Store Supervisor
office@fortligonier.org
Ms. Gross is our most tenured staff member. She celebrated her 25th anniversary at Fort Ligonier in 2023! Her institutional knowledge and positive relationships with Fort Ligonier Association members is invaluable. Ms. Gross oversees special event registrations and is most often the friendly face who welcomes attendees to the Fort throughout the year. She also heads up Fort Ligonier Association memberships, plays an important role with donor relations, and manages the museum store.
Cindy Varner
Visitor Services Supervisor
office@fortligonier.org
Ms. Varner has been a member of the Fort team since 2008! She is one of the team's most versatile members. She oversees visitor services, recruitment of volunteers, and assists with accounting and marketing. Ms. Varner is also black powder certified and is a frequent member of the artillery crew when the six-pound cannon needs fired!