Marine Mover – New Landing School president assumes post
KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine – Barry R. Acker has assumed the duties of president of the Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design, the school reported in a release today.
“Barry Acker is an extremely professional and proven administrator with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors of education, and he has demonstrated achievements in financial management as well as fund raising,” Ross Santy, chairman of the Landing School’s Board of Trustees said. “He possesses just the right balance of leadership, vision and passion needed to lead the Landing School into the rapidly changing and technically complex marine industry of the early 21st Century. We enthusiastically welcome him aboard.”
Acker spent a number of years in the US Air Force where he worked as a personnel administrator and vocational and college counselor. He has also held a number of academic posts throughout his career.
During each of his assignments, Acker has been significantly involved in local community programs. He is an accomplished grant-writer and has served on the boards of numerous community and educational development programs.
An ardent outdoor sports enthusiast, Acker is especially interested in sailing, running and mountaineering. He and his wife Janet are active cruising sailors, with significant experience sailing both the coast of Maine as well as the Pacific Northwest.
The Landing School launched its search for a new president last spring following the retirement of past-president and Landing School founder John T. Burgess who remains on the School’s Board of Trustees. The school screened more than 160 candidates from 36 states and four countries before making their final selection.
