Denise Doring VanBuren


Denise Doring VanBuren was elected the 45th President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in June 2019, a three-year term.

DAR service

VanBuren was involved with the DAR in the City of Beacon, New York, then with the New York State organization before her role at a national level.
As Regent of the Beacon, New York, Melzingah Chapter from 1998 to 2001, VanBuren chaired the Executive Board and was responsible for the stewardship of the 1709 Madam Brett Homestead, the oldest building in Dutchess County. She was named New York State’s Outstanding Chapter Regent in 1999. She led the Melzingah Chapter's efforts to erect a municipal bust in honor of George Washington in Beacon. In 2000, she led a hike to the top of Mount Beacon that involved more than 600 people rededicating Melzingah’s 1900 monument to Revolutionary War soldiers.
She served as New York State Regent from 2010 to 2013.
At the National Society, VanBuren served as Organizing Secretary General from 2013 to 2016 and First Vice President General from 2016 to 2019, at which she took on her current responsibilities.
She has been Editor in Chief of American Spirit and Daughters since 2004.
VanBuren is a lineal descendant of father and son Jacob and Marcus Plattner, and is a member of the Daughters of Union Veterans 1861-1865.

Historical organizations and books

VanBuren served five-terms as President of the Beacon Historical Society, and co-authored two books, Historic Beacon and Beacon Revisited, to benefit that organization. She served two terms as President of the Dutchess County Historical Society, and two terms as President of the Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess.

Professional work

In 1993, VanBuren joined the media relations group at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation in Poughkeepsie, NY. She became a Vice President in 2000, ultimately serving as Vice President of Public Relations from 1993 to her retirement from that organization effective January 2020.

Board service

VanBuren serves on the following Boards:
VanBuren graduated from St. Bonaventure University, and then went on to obtain an MBA from Mount St. Mary College.