Mark Platts, President |
A native of York, PA, Mark Platts has served as President of the Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area (formerly Lancaster-York Heritage Region) since 2003. Mark has over 25 years of experience in community planning, neighborhood revitalization and heritage development and has managed public and private sector planning programs in Washington, DC, Orlando, FL and Bainbridge Island, WA. He is a graduate of York Suburban High School, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban and Rural Studies from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, and earned a Master of Arts degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Florida.
Mark traces his passion for the Susquehanna River to childhood times with his father, brothers and fellow Indian Guides at Camp Minqua, the York YMCA’s former riverfront camp near Otter Creek. There he first paddled the river, explored its wooded hillsides, heard ghost stories about lost spirits haunting the river shores, and visited Indian Steps Museum to learn about local history (and see the famous two-headed calf!)
Mark’s interests now include American history and politics, architecture, old houses, historic towns, railroads and boats of any kind. He even once lived on an old wooden motoryacht in Florida, though now he’s firmly planted on land and living in an historic home in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, with his wife and two sons.
Be sure and ask to see Mark’s Y-Indian Guides patch and totem pole next time you visit the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, SGHA’s historic home on the river at Long Level. |
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Jonathan Pinkerton, AICP, Vice President |
As Vice President, Jonathan works with the President and Board of Directors to set strategic priorities, promote partnerships and maintain relationships that benefit the Heritage Area. He is responsible for organizational management, outreach and communications, contracts administration, project planning and implementation of Susquehanna River initiatives.
Jonathan has over twelve years of experience managing projects, community-based initiatives and public programs. Prior to joining the Heritage Area, Jonathan worked in a variety of positions—for government agencies (federal, state and local) and private industry. Previously, Jonathan practiced county comprehensive land use planning, state government relations and federal program management. Jonathan received a Recommendation for Federal Recognition from the U.S. Department of Commerce, led a recruiting operation that earned a National Equal Opportunity Award, and contributed to research on law and public policy that was published in a nationally recognized journal. Jonathan was recently recognized for serving a five-year term on the York County Rail Trail Authority. He is currently a member-at-large on the Pennsylvania Planning Association’s Central Section Council. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Planning, Public Policy and Management from the University of Oregon, where he graduated summa cum laude with departmental honors. He is certified in the field of urban and regional planning by the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Jonathan lives in York, Pennsylvania with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys long-distance running, cooking, reading and exploring the outdoors. So far, Jonathan has made six coast-to-coast road trips across the United States.
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Pam Kilgore
Administrative Coordinator |
Pam joined SGHA in 2010 as Administrative Coordinator, bringing with her over 10 years experience working in office management for non-profits in the York County Area. Pam’s duties include greeting visitors, maintaining the gift shop products, general bookkeeping, scheduling of meetings and providing regular office duties. Pam has also worked for over 10 years in the Bridal Seamstress industry.
A graduate from Red Lion Area High School, Pam lives on a 350 acre family owned farm in Airville with her husband Doug. They have been married for 30 years and have two daughters, a son, two son-in-laws, and two grandchildren. She is very active in several Masonic Organization and enjoys volunteering when needed for various organizations. Her favorite activities are reading, sewing, and baking. Pam also makes wedding cakes for family and friends. |
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Marie Cartwright, Outreach Coordinator
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Marie joined SGHA in 2010 and is responsible for the organization’s outreach and marketing efforts including website and social media management. Additionally Marie plans and manages lectures and other events including SGHA’s annual fundraiser, the River Experience.
Marie graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication and was a member of AERho National Communication Honor Society. Previously, Marie worked as a Client Advisor for a York County computer company in sales and marketing.
As a volunteer, Marie spends a week each summer directing a church camp and has been involved with the camping program of the Susquehanna UMC Conference for 18 years as a camper, counselor and now director. Marie is engaged to Matt, a firefighter and a member of the 193rd S.O.W., PA Air National Guard. Marie enjoys reading, scrapbooking, crocheting, and camping.
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 Cynthia Fuhrer,
Susquehanna River
Project Manager |
As River Project Manager, Cynthia works closely with SGHA partner organizations to promote heritage tourism and economic development in the Susquehanna River corridor, improve trail linkages and access areas that will enhance visitors’ experience on the Susquehanna River Water Trail and protect important resources and habitats in conjunction with the Lower Susquehanna Conservation Landscape Initiative.
Cynthia has over fifteen years’ experience in project management, natural resource conservation and historic preservation planning, and grant administration from federal, state and local sources. Prior to joining SGHA, Cynthia secured financing and entitlements for affordable housing projects, performed grant writing and administration services for municipalities and non-profit organizations, and served as Conservation Specialist for the Berks County Conservancy. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Lancaster County Coalition for Smart Growth. Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from Millersville University, where she graduated magna cum laude.
Cynthia lives in East Hempfield Township, Lancaster County with her daughter and grandson. She enjoys gardening, reading, hiking, and photographing the historic sites and dramatic landscapes of the Susquehanna River.
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