Staff & Board | PreservationMA

Board of Directors & Staff

Preservation Massachusetts is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and maintains a professional staff that collaborate on advocacy, programs and projects, and with project specific consultants, such as legislative and conference planning. We also work with partners statewide, regionally, and nationally. Our office staff work from our base in Plymouth, MA, while our Circuit Riders work “in the field,” responding directly to requests for advocacy assistance.

Meet The Team

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Erin D. A. Kelly

As President and Executive Director, Erin leads PM's advocacy and education vision, mission, and programs. She oversees the organization's operations, as well as the expansion of its impact across MA communities. With more than 18 years of experience in all facets of non-profit administration, Erin strives to create a more equitable and just preservation environment in the Commonwealth. Since joining PM in 2004, Erin has been intricately involved with building programs, including the Preservation Circuit Rider program, as well as policy advocacy, especially with state and federal tax credits. Before joining PM, Erin began her career with the Providence Preservation Society Revolving Fund, where she served as Associate Director. Erin has served on the Board of Directors of the National Preservation Partners Network, and she will join the Special Commission of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. A lifelong resident of MA, Erin holds a BS in Historic Preservation from Roger Williams University.

Erin D. A. Kelly

President & Executive Director

Julie Roper, CMP

Julie joined the PM team in 2015 to plan the biennial statewide Massachusetts Historic Preservation Conference and quickly grew her role to also manage the annual Awards Program, which serves as PM's largest fundraiser. In addition to managing these two signature events, Julie leads the organization's Communication & Development strategy, which includes building and maintaining strong partnerships with PM's corporate and individual members, supporters, and partners and communicating the work of PM to its many constituents. Julie holds a BA in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a certificate in graphic design from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and is a Certified Meeting Professional as designated by the Events Industry Council. She has worked in Boston for almost 20 years in various industries.

Event & Conference Planner

Joe Ritter

Program & Advocacy Manager

Joe joined the PM team in 2022. As Program and Advocacy Manager, Joe serves as a liaison between PM and program participants, community members, and partner organizations. He oversees programs and advocacy initiatives—including the Most Endangered Historic Resources, Preservation Circuit Rider program, and educational presentations and workshops—while working to increase their impact, availability, and relevance to constituents across the Commonwealth. Previously, Joe worked as Museum Specialist at the Illinois State Military Museum, managing collections and exhibit design, leading guided tours, and overseeing daily operations and community engagement. Joe holds an MA in history from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a BA magna cum laude in history and political science from Illinois College.

Jeff Gonyeau

Eastern MA Circuit Rider

Jeff came to Preservation Massachusetts in 2015 as the Eastern MA Circuit Rider. Along with his colleague Stacia, he works in the field, delivering mentoring support, education, resources and technical assistance directly to those facing preservation challenges or projects. Jeff has been an independent historic preservation consultant since 2013, focusing on preservation planning, fundraising, and project management work and previously worked at Historic Boston, Inc. A graduate of Hamilton College, Jeff has master’s degrees from Smith College and New York University.

Stacia Caplanson

Western MA Circuit Rider

Stacia came to PM in 2014 as our Western MA Circuit Rider. Along with her colleague Jeff Gonyeau, she works in the field mentoring, supporting and providing educational resources and guidance to those facing preservation challenges or projects. She also works to foster regional coalitions and preservation networks. Stacia has a BA in American Studies from Wesleyan University and an MA in American History from UMass Amherst. She has worked in the museum and nonprofit world for over 20 years with both large and small institutions.

Jim Igoe

Director Emeritus

Jim has been with Preservation Massachusetts since 2002, during which time he has worked to increase the impact of the organization and historic preservation statewide. He served as President & CEO through 2021, building the organization into a leader in preservation advocacy and education. His continued role with the organization allows him to focus on special initiatives that support and enhance preservation statewide and nationally. His prior work includes serving as Deputy Secretary of State, overseeing the Massachusetts Historical Commission and running a local preservation organization. He holds a BA in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross and an MA in Public Administration from Clark University.

Paul Pezzella

Legislative Agent

Paul Pezzella has worked with Preservation Massachusetts since 2002 and was instrumental in developing and enacting legislative strategies for the successful passage of the MA Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program. Since then he has worked closely with PM leadership and other constituents in expanding the MHRTC program and educating our state legislature on its benefits and potential for Massachusetts.

Board of Directors

2022

Mary Thompson, Chair (Bank of America)

Robert Charest, Vice Chair (Boston Financial Investment Management)

Nick Ratti, Treasurer (CohnReznick)
Daniel Kolodner, Clerk (Klein Hornig, LLP)

Erin D. A. Kelly, President

Kara Anderson (Architectural Heritage Foundation)
Pamela Bailey (Bond Brothers)
Maureen Cavanaugh (PAL Inc.)
Josh Cohen (Beacon Communities LLC)
John Cornell (Nixon Peabody, LLP)
Maria de las Mercedes Farrando (Beacon Communities LLC)
John Gahan (Sullivan & Worcester, LLP)
Wendall Kalsow (McGinley Kalsow & Associates)
Douglas Kelleher (Epsilon Associates)

Sarah la Cour (Westmass Area Development Corp.)
Ryan Lynch (Shawmut Design and Construction)
Karen Mauney-Brodek (Emerald Necklace Conservancy)
James E. McDermott (Holland & Knight LLP)
Gordon Pulsifer (First Resource Companies)
Deirdre Robinson (Robinson+Cole)
Michael Rosenberg
Jon Rudzinski (Rees-Larkin Development)
Scott Winkler (Wessling Architects)
Claudia Sauermann Wu (Attorney)