Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 24, 1995 TAG: 9511270030
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short
David T. Guernsey Jr., 42, will start the job Jan. 2. He will receive an $85,000 annual salary.
Nauticus has been without a full-time director since January, when Michael Bartlett resigned. Samuel Rogers, the city's marketing director, has held the position on an interim basis.
Guernsey's appointment was announced Tuesday by John Turbyfill, board chairman of the National Maritime Center Authority that operates Nauticus. Turbyfill praised Guernsey's leadership skills, management experience and community involvement.
Guernsey came to Savannah's Ships of the Sea museum in 1983, several months after the museum had closed because of financial losses. He was credited with reopening the facility, turning a profit and increasing visitation and community support.
Since it opened in June 1994, Nauticus has failed to meet attendance and financial projections, although it has been credited with helping to increase tourism and other downtown business.
Nauticus also suffers an image problem: Some residents see it as a symbol of City Hall's disconnection from neighborhoods. Mayor Paul Fraim said he expects Guernsey to reverse Nauticus attendance and public opinion.
- Associated Press
by CNB