The HTR Foundation is established as a foundation under the internal revenue code with Copie Hill, Jeffery McClanathan, and James A. Wesley, and J. Dennis Sexton as its initial Board of Directors. The Corporation’s purpose is providing funds to protect the historical, cultural and environmental heritage of the United States through protection of American Civil War sites.
Our Mission
To facilitate protection of the historical, cultural and environmental heritage of the United States through protection of American Civil War sites via:
- Acquisition of land, easements, rights of access or other property rights in significant American Civil War sites.
- Provision of assistance to other public or private entities engaged in the protection of American Civil War sites; and
- Create and support educational projects related to our heritage and the Civil War.
Our Team
Jeffery P. McClanathan
Jeff is a managing member of McClanathan, Burg & Associates, LLC, with over 30 years of experience in audit and accounting practices. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University, Jeff received his certification in 1979 and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA) as well as the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accounts (FICPA). Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Jeff’s passion for this city is immense. From the arts to business and politics, he plays an active role in the community.
COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Board Memberships: HTR Foundation, Inc. – President, Member of the Board of Trustees
Civil War Preservation Trust – Trustee and Member of the Finance and Strategic Planning Committees
All Children’s Hospital – Treasurer, Executive Committee
Canterbury School – Vice Chair, Executive Committee
Downtown St. Petersburg Rotary Club – Member Board of Directors
Morean Arts Center – Treasurer, Executive Committee
Member/Licensed:
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
James A. Wesley
Known in the business world as “Jim,” James A. Wesley was one of the original Trustees of the HTR Foundation. Mr. Wesley has been fascinated by the Civil War since his childhood, and through his work with the Foundation aims to further the cause of history education in Florida and around the country.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mr. Wesley’s career began in agriculture, raising cattle and citrus in Central and South Florida. He soon transitioned into investment advising, and for the past 40 years he has advised very prominent businesses, Real Estate Developers, and hotel and restaurant owners in the Central Florida area, including Budget Rent-A-Car.
His clients also included Arthur “Copie” Hill, through whom he became involved in the HTR Foundation.
Mr. Wesley remains president of Wes Invest, Inc.
EDUCATION
Duke University
Rollins College, Bachelor of the Arts in History
COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Member of the First United Methodist Church of Oviedo
Past President of the Aberdeen Angus Association
J. Dennis Sexton
J. Dennis Sexton’s interest in Civil War preservation is rooted in his family history. His paternal great grandfather, an Irish immigrant, served in the 10th Iowa Infantry during the Civil War. His maternal ancestors also served with the Union Army, as well as fighting in the War of 1812 and the American Revolution.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mr. Sexton has dedicated his life to bettering children’s health. He was appointed president of All Children’s Hospital in 1973, at the age of 31. He served in that position for three decades, growing the hospital from a small institution with a staff of 165, into a national leader in pediatric fields including cancer, immunology, cystic fibrosis, neonatology, and cardiology. At his departure, All Children’s had 2,700 employees across six counties, and an annual budget of $389 million.
EDUCATION
Honorary Doctor of Humanities
University of South Florida 2002.
University of Florida, B.A. Journalism and Public Relations
Boston University, Governmental Public Affairs
COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
President, All Children’s Hospital and All Children’s Hospital Foundation, 1973-2003
Captain, United States Air Force
Florida Perinatal Advisory Council
International Board, Children’s Miracle Network
Chairman, Children’s Hospital Investment Corporation
Chairman, Child Health Corporation of America