Strahan leaving Fort Vancouver National Trust

Elson Strahan announced today his plans to step down as president and CEO of the Fort Vancouver National Trust.

Strahan said he will leave following the completion of the campaign to acquire the historic Academy building — something that could happen by the end of the year, according to National Trust officials.

Mike True, the nonprofit organization’s chief operating officer, will take over as president.

Strahan will remain CEO while he completes fundraising and negotiations to acquire the Academy property, as well as funding to start the renovation project.

According to its Academy Campaign’s home page, the National Trust is about $4.7 million into its goal of $10.6 million to buy the property.

Trust officials hope to have some news on that in two months, said Steve Horenstein, chairman of the National Trust’s board.

Strahan, who has led the National Trust for almost 12 years, said he has no immediate plans following his departure. However, retirement isn’t in his plans, Strahan noted.

“Not yet. I still feel I have things that can be accomplished in the community,” Strahan said.

“The board and our community are deeply indebted to Elson for his leadership and vision” for the National Trust and Vancouver’s historic core, Horenstein said.