New Executive Director of Preservation Dallas, Carolyn Howard.
Preservation Dallas has hired Carolyn Howards, nonprofit leader, and historian, as the new executive director. Howard’s duties with the nonprofit start today.
In a statement, the president of Preservation Dallas Norman Alston said, “As Preservation Dallas continues to evolve, the organization needs a unique blending of skills to lead us through the coming challenges and opportunities. We are excited to have found those skills in Carolyn and are confident that she can further establish a culture of preservation that Dallas needs.”
Howard has more than 30 years of experience leading the Historic Main Streets programs in Texas and Oklahoma, including in Lewisville, TX; El Reno, OK; Beaumont, TX; and Marshall, TX. The Historic Main Streets programs focused on the economic revitalization of central business districts and the adjacent neighborhoods. Under Howard’s leadership, Beaumont Main Street was awarded National Main Street status for 15 consecutive years, and downtown Beaumont saw a net gain of 1,400 jobs.
Howard’s expertise also expands to fundraising and grant writing; civic coordination; and planning and supervising programs. Howard’s programs engage a broad range of constituencies and brought them back to revitalized downtowns. She has knowledge of the financing tools that can be used to fund historic preservation projects, including tax credits and revolving loan funds. Howard also has experience coordinating with stakeholders, public-sector entities at all levels of government; community institutions; and financial institutions.
Preservation Dallas partners with neighborhoods, local and national organizations to document through surveys and research, educate the public, and broker solutions for endangered historic properties. The nonprofit is dedicated to initiatives that value the history and culture of places throughout the community, enhancing the quality of life and economic development of Dallas.
