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Lisa Kersavage
Executive Director at New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
Professional Background
Lisa Kersavage has dedicated over twenty years to the fields of historic preservation, urban planning, and resiliency planning. Her expertise has led her to become a leading figure in her industry, currently serving as the Executive Director of the City of New York’s Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). Under her guidance, the LPC has maintained its standing as the largest municipal preservation agency in the nation, playing a crucial role in the safeguarding of New York's architectural heritage. In this capacity, Lisa not only oversees the agency’s operations but also collaborates closely with the Chair to develop and implement policy and strategic planning initiatives that affect the city’s historic landmarks.
Before stepping into her role as Executive Director, Lisa made significant contributions as the Director of Special Projects and Strategic Planning within the LPC. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and foster innovation has been essential to the agency's recent successes.
Key Projects and Initiatives
Prior to her esteemed tenure at the LPC, Lisa served as the Project Manager for "Changing Course," an ambitious design competition aimed at reimagining a more sustainable Lower Mississippi River Delta. This project was a collaborative effort that united teams from around the world to generate creative solutions for one of America's most cherished natural treasures. As Project Manager, Lisa was instrumental in the planning, development, and initial implementation phases, working effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including the Environmental Defense Fund, the Van Alen Institute, and local leadership.
Lisa's influence continues to grow as she actively engages with a diverse network of organizations and initiatives to promote sustainable urban planning and historic preservation practices. Her forward-thinking approach is characterized by a commitment to fostering community engagement and creating lasting impacts through her work.
Education and Achievements
Lisa Kersavage's academic background laid a strong foundation for her career in historic preservation and urban planning. She earned her Master of Science in Historic Preservation, focusing on urban planning, from Columbia University in the City of New York. This education has equipped her with the analytical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of urban environments in relation to both preservation and sustainability.
Additionally, Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Penn State University. Her strong appreciation for art and architectural history informs her work and commitment to preserving the unique character of communities across New York City.
Throughout her career, Lisa has been a part of many organizations focusing on preservation and sustainability. Prior to her current role at the LPC, she was the Senior Director of Preservation and Sustainability at the Municipal Art Society of New York. There, she held various leadership roles that allowed her to make meaningful contributions in the areas of advocacy and policy. Her tenure included serving as the Director of Advocacy and Policy and holding the prestigious Kress/RFR Fellowship for Historic Preservation and Public Policy.
Beyond her work in New York, Lisa has also worked as a public policy consultant for the William Penn Foundation in Philadelphia, establishing her influence on preservation policy and strategy on both a state and national scale.
In her previous roles, such as Executive Director of the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation and Executive Director of Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, Lisa has demonstrated her commitment to advocating for robust preservation practices and community engagement. Her wide range of experiences lends credibility to her leadership at the LPC and reinforces her expertise in balancing historical significance with contemporary urban development.
Notable Achievements
Lisa Kersavage's career is decorated with numerous achievements that highlight her dedication to the field of historic preservation and urban planning.
- Leadership at the LPC: As the Executive Director of the LPC, Lisa has spearheaded various initiatives that address the intersection of preservation and sustainability, ensuring that the agency remains at the forefront of municipal preservation efforts.
- Changing Course Project: Under her management, the Changing Course initiative served as a model for collaborative, innovative solutions to environmental challenges, showcasing Lisa's ability to bring together diverse groups for a common cause.
- Advocacy and Policy Development: Lisa's work with the Municipal Art Society and various foundations has significantly shaped policies and best practices in the preservation sector, leaving a lasting impact on the institutions and communities she has served.
- Recognition and Fellowship: Lisa's achievements have also been recognized through her fellowships and leadership roles at respected organizations focused on preservation, policy, and sustainability. Her knowledge and passion for historic preservation have made her a sought-after expert in her field.
Lisa Kersavage stands out as a trailblazer in the domain of historic preservation and urban planning, demonstrating a profound commitment to both the preservation of cultural heritage and the advancement of sustainable urban development. Through her visionary leadership at the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and her extensive background in project management, advocacy, and policy, Lisa continues to make a significant impact on the preservation landscape.
Key Projects and Initiatives
Before stepping into her role as Executive Director, Lisa made significant contributions as the Director of Special Projects and Strategic Planning within the LPC. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and foster innovation has been essential to the agency's recent successes.
Prior to her esteemed tenure at the LPC, Lisa served as the Project Manager for "Changing Course," an ambitious design competition aimed at reimagining a more sustainable Lower Mississippi River Delta. This project was a collaborative effort that united teams from around the world to generate creative solutions for one of America's most cherished natural treasures. As Project Manager, Lisa was instrumental in the planning, development, and initial implementation phases, working effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including the Environmental Defense Fund, the Van Alen Institute, and local leadership.
Lisa's influence continues to grow as she actively engages with a diverse network of organizations and initiatives to promote sustainable urban planning and historic preservation practices. Her forward-thinking approach is characterized by a commitment to fostering community engagement and creating lasting impacts through her work.
Education and Achievements
Lisa Kersavage's academic background laid a strong foundation for her career in historic preservation and urban planning. She earned her Master of Science in Historic Preservation, focusing on urban planning, from Columbia University in the City of New York. This education has equipped her with the analytical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of urban environments in relation to both preservation and sustainability.
Additionally, Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Penn State University. Her strong appreciation for art and architectural history informs her work and commitment to preserving the unique character of communities across New York City.
Throughout her career, Lisa has been a part of many organizations focusing on preservation and sustainability. Prior to her current role at the LPC, she was the Senior Director of Preservation and Sustainability at the Municipal Art Society of New York. There, she held various leadership roles that allowed her to make meaningful contributions in the areas of advocacy and policy. Her tenure included serving as the Director of Advocacy and Policy and holding the prestigious Kress/RFR Fellowship for Historic Preservation and Public Policy.
Beyond her work in New York, Lisa has also worked as a public policy consultant for the William Penn Foundation in Philadelphia, establishing her influence on preservation policy and strategy on both a state and national scale.
In her previous roles, such as Executive Director of the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation and Executive Director of Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, Lisa has demonstrated her commitment to advocating for robust preservation practices and community engagement. Her wide range of experiences lends credibility to her leadership at the LPC and reinforces her expertise in balancing historical significance with contemporary urban development.
Conclusion
Lisa Kersavage stands out as a trailblazer in the domain of historic preservation and urban planning, demonstrating a profound commitment to both the preservation of cultural heritage and the advancement of sustainable urban development. Through her visionary leadership at the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and her extensive background in project management, advocacy, and policy, Lisa continues to make a significant impact on the preservation landscape.
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Mesh is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Mesh beneficial.
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