Amy Osborn, an experienced executive in veterans’ affairs and nonprofit organizations, has been named CEO of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation, the organization announced Wednesday.
Widely recognized as a “voice for veterans,” Osborn was a member of President George W. Bush’s “Hire Vets First” Committee, as well as a project manager and fundraiser within the private and nonprofit sectors. She previously served as director of special events for the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Osborn is also a recipient of the James C. Gates Award, given by the VFW Department of New Jersey, for her efforts to help find gainful employment for veterans.
“It’s my privilege to take on this leadership position to honor and build upon the legacy of our Vietnam veterans and war heroes,” said Osborn, a lifelong New Jersey resident. “One of our goals, which is already in motion, is to modernize the Educational Center and Museum and make it more attractive and accessible for students and families. This will ensure the stories of our Vietnam veterans are preserved and shared with generations to come.”
Osborn announced that Oscar-winning documentary film maker Vanessa Roth, daughter of Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth, is directing a film on the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Educational Center & Museum. This film will help to memorialize this one-of-a-kind center, educate future generations and help promote NJVVMF for charitable contributions.
Foundation board President Maj. Gen. Clark Martin also announced seven new members of its board of trustees:
- Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, the daughter of a Vietnam veteran who fought in the Battle at Khe Sahn;
- Stephanie George, non-executive director of Burberry Group in London, former executive vice president, Time Inc.;
- Christine Giordano Hanlon, Monmouth County clerk;
- William Lenchinsky, Army captain and president of SGL Investment of Naples, Florida;
- Frank Luna, Army National Guard Infantryman and external affairs consultant for Jersey Central Power & Light;
- William Sproule, executive secretary-treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, son of Vietnam veteran killed in action;
- Elizabeth “Beth” Stavola, leading female entrepreneur in the cannabis industry and founder of cannabis businesses and brands.
These seven join existing board members:
- Former state Sen. Nicholas Asselta, vice chair, Gold Star family member;
- Michael Warner, vice chair, Vietnam veteran, former commander of Fort Dix and deputy commissioner for Veterans’ Affairs, retired;
- Bill Linderman, Vietnam veteran, retired;
- Roy Budd, Vietnam veteran, Morgan Stanley;
- Former Assemblyman Dave Rible, executive director, Utility & Transportation Contractors Association;
- Joe Scerbo, director of training, Heavy & General Laborers, Local 472;
- Louis Vlahakes, C&H Agency, Vietnam veteran.
Martin saluted all of the board members.
“The members of the board of trustees are distinguished professionals who range in their careers and experiences, but share a dedicated commitment to honoring and memorializing New Jersey’s Vietnam veterans,” he said. “We are fortunate to have such an outstanding and dynamic group of individuals joining our board during this exciting period of transformation for the memorial.”
