Hospitality/Tourism: DOUG BRADBURN

In late 2017, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association announced Bradburn as their pick as president and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the historic home of the first U.S. president and his wife, Martha Washington.

Bradburn previously served as founding director for the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon. After earning degrees in history and economics from the University of Virginia, Bradburn earned his doctorate in history from the University of Chicago.

Part of Bradburn’s job as Mount Vernon’s leader is greeting notable guests. In January, he welcomed President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden to Mount Vernon, where they attended the National Governors Association’s dinner.

Mount Vernon includes more than a mansion. There’s also the research library, a museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery and a gristmill. An orientation film about the estate produced by Wide Awake Films recently received a 2022 Gold Telly Award. The short film explains, among other topics, the legacy of George and Martha Washington and recognizes Mount Vernon’s enslaved community.