Jeffrey Gabel, founding executive director of Gettysburg College's Majestic Theater, was elected to a three-year term on the board of directors of the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT).

"It is a real honor to serve on this prestigious national board," Gabel said. "During my career, I've had countless colleagues who have mentored me by sharing their knowledge and experience. Service on the LHAT board will give me a broader opportunity to give back and pass on what I've learned."

Before coming to Gettysburg College and the Majestic Theater in 2003, Gabel enjoyed a diverse career in not-for-profit management including public television, children's advocacy, and foundation grant-making, as well as a performer who appeared on the PBS series "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood."

"Jeffrey was instrumental in building the successful partnership which enabled the Adams County community and Gettysburg College to transform the dilapidated Majestic Theater into a vibrant performing arts center and downtown economic engine," said LHAT Executive Director Fran Holden. "We believe it's a national model that can benefit many communities, and we plan to share the nuts and bolts of how to do it at an educational forum at the Majestic on Nov. 6-8, 2011."

Gabel was elected July 16 at LHAT's 34th annual conference and theatre tour in San Antonio, Texas.

The non-profit LHAT, dedicated to sustaining America's historic theatres for the benefit of their communities and future generations, includes more than 300 theatres across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 1976, the League helps members save and sustain historic theatres through educational programs, publications, technologies and specialized services. Its headquarters are in Baltimore, Md.

The Majestic Theater is a 1925 colonial revival vaudeville and silent movie theater that was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Following a $16.5 million renovation in 2005, the Jennifer and David LeVan Performing Arts Center now features the 815-seat Majestic Theater, two cinemas, an art gallery, and a rehearsal hall, as well as a 20,000-square-foot state-of-the-art backstage production facility. The LeVan Center, owned by Gettysburg College, is open 360 days annually, presenting a celebrity series of touring shows, a nightly double-bill of first-release independent films, and more than 40 college and community performances.

Founded in 1832, Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences with a strong academic tradition that includes Rhodes Scholars, a Nobel laureate and other distinguished scholars among its alumni. The college enrolls 2,600 undergraduate students and is located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

Contact: Jim Hale, senior staff writer