HDC’s small professional staff is directed by our dedicated Board of Directors & Advisers, whose members represent over two dozen historic neighborhoods and are drawn from the fields of architecture, education, history, marketing, law, design, public relations, journalism and community activism.
HDC’s board consists of people of wide-ranging disciplines from all over the city, each of whom works on two or more committees and serves without remuneration.
Board of Directors
Officers
Daniel J. Allen has a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Mr. Allen currently teaches in the Historic Preservation program at Columbia University, and is an Architect and Principal at CTA Architects. Mr. Allen has been on the Board since 2008.
John Bacon has a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from Yale University, a Law Degree from Temple University and a Master Degree in Early American Culture from the University of Delaware. Mr. Bacon is currently the Chief Development Officer for Planned Giving the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mr. Bacon has been on the HDC Board since 2012.
Christian Emanuel has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New York University. Mr. Emanuel is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Sotheby’s International Realty, working in the office of Stan Ponte. He played an active role in the designation of the Long Island City Clock Tower. Mr. Emanuel has been on the HDC Board since 2016. Long Island City was a Six to Celebrate neighborhood in 2015.
Susan Mathisen has a Bachelor Degree in Art History, a Master Degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Museum Studies and Conservation and a certificate from New York University in Fundraising. Ms. Mathisen is the founder of SAM Fundraising Solutions Corp. SAM Fundraising is a S. A. M. Fundraising Solutions Corp. specializes in fundraising for art conservation, historic preservation and collections care. Ms. Mathisen has been on the HDC Board since 2011.
Christopher W. London has a Doctorate Degree in Modern History from Oxford University. Mr. London is an author, architectural historian and President of Naumburg Orchestral Concerts. Mr. London has been on the HDC Board since 2008.
Susan S. Hopper holds a Doctorate Degree in Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis. Ms. Hopper is the founder of Susan Shampaine Hopper, PhD, Consulting, which provides qualitative research for health organizations and foundations. Ms. Hopper has been on the HDC Board since 2008.
Anthony Wood has a Bachelor Degree in History from Kenyon College and a Master Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Mr. Wood is a preservation activist, author, teacher, historian and the Founder and Chair of the New York Preservation Archive Project. He is currently the Executive Director of the Ittleson Foundation and formerly worked at the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Municipal Art Society and the J. M. Kaplan Fund. Mr. Wood has bee on the HDC Board since 1986.
Directors
Penelope Bareau has worked as a writer, editor and interior designer. Ms. Bareau has been active in preservation for several decades, in addition to HDC she serves on the Board of the Greenwich Village Society of Historic Preservation. Ms. Bareau has been on the HDC Board since 2001.
Brendan Coburn has a Master of Architecture Degree from Yale University. Mr. Coburn is an Architect and founder of C.W.B Architects. In addition to HDC he serves on the Board of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and the Board of the Brooklyn Central YMCA. Mr. Coburn has been on the HDC Board since 2013
Matthew Coody has a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Mr. Coody is currently the Executive Director of the New York Preservation Archive Project, he is a co-founder of Preservation Greenpoint and the Vice President of Preservation Alumni. Greenpoint was a Six to Celebrate neighborhood in 2013. Mr. Coody has been on the HDC Board since 2014.
Gregory Dietrich has a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Mr. Dietrich is the Founder of Gregory Dietrich Preservation Consulting, which offers historic preservation expertise encompassing historic building/landscape analyses, preservation policy and planning studies, and historic tax credit applications. He formally was the Acting Director of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission’s Historic Preservation Grant Program. Mr. Dietrich is actively involved in preservation in Morningside Heights. Morningside Heights was a Six to Celebrate neighborhood in 2012. Mr. Dietrich has been on the HDC Board since 2008.
Thomas A. Fenniman is an Architect and founder of Thomas A. Fenniman Architecture firm. Mr. Fenniman has been on the HDC Board since 2006.
Jeffrey A. Kroessler has a Master of Library Science from Queens College and a Doctorate in American History from the City University of New York Graduate School. Mr. Kroessler is an Associate Professor at John J. College of Criminal Justice and the CUNY Head of circulation. Mr. Kroessler is a preservationist, an advocate and an author. In addition to HDC he serves on the Boards of the Citizens Emergency Committee to Preserve Preservation; Greater Astoria Historical Society; Municipal Art Society; New York Landmarks Conservancy; Queensborough Preservation League; Queens Historical Society; Sunnyside Gardens Preservation Alliance; and the Sunnyside Foundation. Mr. has been on the HDC Board since 1986.
Alyssa Loorya has a Master Degree in Anthropology and Archaeology from Hunter College and a Doctorate Degree in Anthropology and Archaeology from the City University of New York Graduate School. Ms. Loorya is the Principal Investigator and President of Chrysalis Archaeology and is certified by the Register of Professional Archaeologists. In addition to her archaeological work, Ms. Loorya has developed special content curricula in archaeology, historic preservation, and architecture for the New York City Department of Education and several local museums and non-profit organizations. She is a former Vice President of the Professional Archaeologists of New York. Ms. Loorya has been on the HDC Board since 2011.
Marissa Marvelli has a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Ms. Marvelli is currently BKSK’s in-house preservation specialist, and works freelance on a wide range of preservation-related projects, including documentation and surveys of historic resources to the development of communications strategies for preservation advocacy efforts. In addition to HDC she serves on the Board of DOCOMOMO NY/Tri-State and Friends of Historic Kingston. Ms. Marvelli wrote a historic survey of Madison Square North, which was a Six to Celebrate neighborhood in 2014. Ms. Marvelli has been on the HDC Board since 2011.
Liz McEnaney has a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Ms. McEnaney is architectural historian, preservationist, curator, documentary film producer and author. She is the Executive Director of the S.S. Columbia Project, an adjunct professor at Columbia University and New York University. She co-founded BLDG BLOK, a collaborative of historians, digital media artists, and programmers who are inventing and creating new ways to present history. She has previously worked for the Samuel H. Kress Foundation and the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation. Ms. McEnaney has been on the HDC Board since 2013.
Joyce Mendelsohn is an educator, historian, writer, and author. Ms. Mendelsohn is one of the founding members of Friends of the Lower East Side. She has worked at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum; Museum at Eldridge Street; LES Jewish Conservancy; and the Henry Street Settlement. Ms. Mendelsohn won a Mickey Murphy Lifetime Achievement Award from HDC in 2010. Ms. Mendelsohn has been on the HDC Board since 2016.
Cristiana Peña has a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Ms. Peña is currently an Account Executive at Geto & de Milly; the Executive Director of the James Marson Fitch Charitable Foundation; the Social Media Coordinator for CIRCA; and a freelance Social Media consultant. She previously worked at LANDMARK WEST!; and Woodlawn Conservancy and was an adjunct professor at Drew University. Ms. Peña has been on the HDC Board since 2014.
Beverly Moss Spatt has a Master and Doctorate Degree in Urban Planning from New York University. Ms. Spatt is a former New York City Planning Commissioner and Chair of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. She has taught planning, preservation and public policy at Barnard College and currently serves on the boards of variety of community and philanthropic organizations. Ms. Spatt has been on the HDC Board since 2004.
Jack Taylor is the founder of The Drive to Protect the Ladies’ Mile District; a Board Member of the Union Square Community Coalition; and a trustee of the Dvorak American Heritage Association. Mr. Taylor was instrumental in getting the Ladies’ Mile Historic District and individual landmarks around Union Square designated. Mr. Taylor has been on the HDC Board since 1986.
Susan Tunick has a Master of Fine Art Degree from Bennington College. Ms. Tunick is an artist, author and the President of Friends of Terracotta. She has worked on both private and public art commissions, her work can be seen in the NYC schools and subway stations. Ms. Tunick has been on the HDC Board since 1986.
Board of Advisers
Hunter Armstrong has a Master Degree in Urban and Environmental Planning, Urban Planning and Historic Preservation from the University of Virginia and a certificate for Non-For-Profit Management from Columbia University. Mr. Armstrong was formally the Executive Director of CIVITAS, the Deputy Directer of LANDMARK WEST! and the Deputy Director of Development at Freedom to Marry. He is currently the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Natural Areas Conservancy. Mr. Armstrong has been on the HDC Board since 2009.
Angel Ayón holds a professional degree in Architecture, Historic Preservation and a Master Degree in Conservation and Rehabilitation of the Built Heritage from Havana’s Higher Polytechnic Institute, as well as a Post-Graduate Certificate in Conservation of Historic Buildings and Archaeological Sites from Columbia University. Mr. Ayón is a former Fitch Foundation Fellow; is the Vice-President of Save Harlem Now!; and was the leading advocate in the campaign to rehabilitate the Mount Morris Fire Watchtower in Marcus Garvey Park. Mr. Ayón is the Founder and Principal of AYON Studio Architecture and Preservation. Mount Morris Park was a Six to Celebrate neighborhood in 2011. Mr. Ayón has been on the HDC Board since 2016.
Wayne Benjamin has a Master of Science of Architecture and Master in City Planning, Architecture, Urban Planning and Urban Design from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Benjamin is the Chair of Land Use for Community Board 12 and Assistant Director, Opportunity Programs Group at Dormitory Authority- State of New York. Mr. Benjamin has been on the HDC Board since 2016.
Andrew Berman has a Bachelor Degree in Art History form Wesleyan University. Mr. Berman previously worked for Thomas K. Duane while he was a New York City Council Member and a New York State Senator. Mr. Berman is currently the Executive Director of Greenwich Village Society of Historic Preservation. Mr. Berman has been on the HDC Board since 2003.
Miriam Berman has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute. Ms. Berman is an author, tour guide and a graphic designer. She is the Founder of Miriam Berman Graphic Design and works with the Flatiron / 23rd Street Partnership to promote the preservation of Madison Square North. Madison Square North was a Six to Celebrate neighborhood in 2014. Ms. Berman has been on the HDC Board since 2002.
Beth Bingham is a visiting Assistant Professor at Pratt University. She formally worked for New Yorkers For Parks,; Partnership for Parks; Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group; and Save Coney Island. Ms. Bingham has been on the HDC Board since 2017.
Claudette Brady began her career as a Project Manager for Citi Corp. Ms. Brady then joined the Bedford Stuyvesant Society for Historic Preservation and became the driving force behind the landmarking of the Expanded Stuyvesant Heights Historic District and the Bedford Historic District, she is also a member of Community Board 3. Bedford-Stuyvesant was a Six to Celebrate neighborhood in 2011. She currently owns a craft store, Slip Stitch Needlecraft in Bed-Stuy. Ms. Brady has been on the HDC Board since 2012.
Peter Bray is Executive Director of the Brooklyn Heights Association, an organization dedicated to preserving the physical fabric of the neighborhood and informing and advocating for residents and businesses on matters affecting the community. Mr. Bray also serves as a Trustee of the Park Slope Civic Council and led the committee overseeing the expansion of the Park Slope Historic District. Mr. Bray has been on the HDC Board since 2016.
Donald Brennan has a Master Degree in Architecture from Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration from New York University. Mr. Brennan is the Founder and Principal of Brennan Marketing and Sales Real Estate Broker. In addition to HDC he is a board member of the Brooklyn Heights Association, and he teaches urban planning in New York City high schools. Mr. Brennan has been on the HDC Board since 2013.
Hal Bromm trained as an Architect and is the owner of Hal Bromm Gallery, an art gallery in Tribeca. Mr. Bromm was very involved in advocating for the designation of the Tribeca Historic Districts. In addition to HDC he is a board member of Tribeca Trust. Mr. Bromm has been on the HDC Board since 1989.
George Calderaro has a Master Degree of Science, Non-profit Management from the New School. Mr. Calderaro is currently the Director of Community Relations for Columbia University, School of Professional Studies. In addition to HDC he is on the board of the 29th Street Neighborhood Association, Victorian Society of New York and No Longer Empty. Mr. Calderaro was previously the Director of Communication for the Landmarks Preservation Commission and co-chair of the Battery Park City Committee and a member of its Landmarks Committee for Manhattan Community Board 1. Mr. Calderaro has been on the HDC Board since 1995.
Pat Courtney is a member of Volunteers for Isham Park. Inwood was a Six to Celebrate neighborhood in 2011. Ms. Courtney has been on the HDC Board since 2012.
Kerri Culhane has a Master Degree in Arts, Architectural History from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master Degree in Science, Ecological Design from The Conway School. Ms. Culhane is a freelance architectural historian and planner. She formally worked as the Associate Director for Two Bridges Neighborhood Council and a Project Manager for the Trust for Public Land. Ms. Culhane has been on the HDC Board since 2011.
Nikki Chung has a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from Berkeley University and a Master of Fine Art, Graphic Design from the Rhode Island School of Design. Ms. Chung is a creative director, graphic designer, and a founding partner of Once–Future Office. Ms. Chung has been on the HDC Board since 2017.
Ian Danic has a Master of Business Administration in International Business/Strategy, Policy and Planning from York University. Mr. Danic is currently the Executive Director of Electra Information Systems. In addition to HDC he serves on the Board of the S.S. Columbia Project. Mr. Danic has been on the HDC Board since 2017.
Andrew Scott Dolkart has a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Mr. Dolkart is an advocate, tour guide, consultant, curator, author and professor at Columbia University’s Historic Preservation Program in the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) . Mr. Dolkart is the past Director of (GSAPP) and formally worked for the Landmarks Preservation Commission, where he was responsible for writing numerous designation reports. Mr. Dolkart has been on the HDC Board since 2009.
Dan Donovan has a Bachelor of Architecture from the City University of New York. Mr. Donovan is a Planner at the Bronx Borough President’s Office where he is responsible for landmark preservation, real estate and land use and preparies testimony for the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Mr. Donovan has been on the HDC Board since 2010.
Franny Eberhart has a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Ms. Eberhart is an adjunct professor at New York University and is the President of FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts. She is a former Chair of the Historic House Trust. Ms. Eberhart has been on the HDC Board since 2000.
Doreen Gallo is and artist and the Executive Director of the DUMBO Neighborhood Alliance. Ms. Gallo has been on the HDC Board since 2010.
Susan Gammie attended McGill University. Ms. Gammie is the Business Representative for Motion Pictures, United Scenic Artists, USA Local 829, IATSE and was a former costume designer for The Walt Disney Company, ABC Inc. Ms. Gammie is on Manhattan Community Board 2. Ms. Gammie has been on the HDC Board since 2016.
David Goldfarb is a managing partner of the law firm of Goldfarb Abrandt Salzman & Kutzin LLP. Mr. Goldfarb is the Chair of Preserve & Protect, Inc.; and the Chair of the Elder Law & Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association. He was formally on the board of the Preservation League of Staten Island; the past president of Staten Islanders for a Unified New York; the St. George Civic Association; and the Friends of the Alice Austen House. Mr. Goldfarb has been on the HDC Board since 1993.
Victoria Hofmo has a Master of Arts, Urban Museum Studies from the City University of New York. Ms. Hofmo is the Executive Director at Ridge Creative Center. She is the Founder and President of the Scandinavian East Coast Museum; Bay Ridge Arts & Cultural Alliance’ and Bay Ridge Conservancy. Ms. Hofmo has been on the HDC Board since 2008.
Kyle Johnson has a Master Degree in Historic Architecture, Planning and Preservation from Columbia University. Mr. Johnson is a Senior Architect at Snohetta Architecture Firm; and the Walking Tour Director, Architecture Tour leader for the American Institute of Architects, NY Chapter. Mr. Johnson has been on the HDC Board since 2011.
Linda C. Jones is the Founder of Winter Hill Associates, an IT firm; and is the co-founder of Friends of the Lower East Side. Ms. Jones has been on the HDC Board since 1992.
John Jurayj has a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from Washington University, and a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Bard College. Mr. Jurayj is an artist, author and an adjunct professor at the School of Visual Arts. Mr Jurayj has been on the HDC Board since 2001.
Eve M. Kahn has a Bachelor Degree in Romance Languages and Literatures from Harvard University. Ms. Kahn is a freelance writer specializing in Architecture, Design and Preservation. She was formerly a columnist at the New York Times. Ms. Kahn has been on the HDC Board since 2002.
Daniel Karatzas has a Master Degree in Finance from Columbia University. Mr. Karatzas is an author and a Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker with the Beaudoin Realty Group. In addition to HDC he serves on the Board of the Jackson Heights Beautification Group. Jackson Heights was a 2011 Six to Celebrate neighborhood. Mr. Karatzas has been on the HDC Board since 2016.
Tara Kelly has a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Pratt University. Ms. Kelly was the former Executive Director at FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts and is the current Vice President, Policy & Programs at The Municipal Art Society of New York. Ms. Kelly has been on the HDC Board since 2013.
Denish Kinariwala has a Master Degree in Urban Design and Architecture. Mr. Kinariwala is an Architect and formally worked for BLuHR Architects. Mr. Kinariwala has been on the HDC Board since 2017.
Paul Kerzner has a Law Degree from Brooklyn Law School. Mr Kerzner is the President and founder of the Greater Ridgewood Restoration Corporation. Mr. Kerzner has been on the HDC Board since 2008.
Robert Kornfeld, Jr. has a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Mr. Kornfeld is a forensic Architect at Thornton Tomasetti. In addition to HDC he serves on the Board of the Architectural Review Board of the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson; and Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct. Mr. Kornfeld Jr. has been on the HDC Board since 2001.
Alison LaFever has a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University and currently works at Walter Melvin Architects. Ms. LaFever has been on the HDC Board since 2017.
Rachel Levy has a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Ms. Levy previously worked with the Park Slope Civic Council; Landmark West!; and the Municipal Art Society. She is currently the Executive Director of FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts. HDC worked closely with FRIENDS in 2016 when Yorkville was one of the Six to Celebrate neighborhoods. Ms. Levy has been on the HDC Board since 2016.
Barry S. Lewis was educated at the University of California at Berkeley, the Sorbonne, Paris and the New School For Social Research. Mr. Lewis is an architectural historian who specializes in European and American architecture. He currently teaches at Cooper Union Forum (CU Forum) and has previously conducted lectures at New York School of Interior Design. Mr. Lewis is well known for his specials on PBS; American History TV and C-Span 3. Mr. Lewis has been on the HDC Board since 2007.
Timothy McCabe has a Master Degree in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. Mr. McCabe is an Architect who previously worked for Rafael Viñoly Architects; and Cutsogeorge Tooman & Allen Architects P.C. and is currently a Project Manager at Interior Management. Mr. McCabe has been on the HDC Board since 2007.
Joyce Mendelsohn is an educator, historian, and preservation activist. Author of “The Lower East Side Remembered and Revisited,” Ms. Mendelsohn was the first Director of Education at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum; served as a consultant to the Historic House Trust; is on the Board of Directors of the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy; and is an adviser to the boards of the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative and Bowery Alliance of Neighbors. She is one of three founding member of Friends of the Lower East Side and was awarded the Historic Districts Council’s Mickey Murphy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. Ms. Mendelsohn has been on the HDC Board since 2017.
Richard Moses has a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from the City University of New York and a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Mr. Moses is a former Director of the Historic Preservation Grant Program at the Landmarks Preservation Commission and is currently a Director at Howard L. Zimmerman Architects. Mr. Moses is the President of the Lower East Side Preservation Initiate. East Village / Lower East Side were a Six to Celebrate neighborhood in 2013. Mr. Moses has been on the HDC Board since 2009.
Kate Burns Ottavino has a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Ms. Ottavino is the Director of Preservation Technology at the NJIT/Center for Architecture and Building Science Research; the designer of the Preservation Arts and Technology high school curriculum; and the Treasurer, Director of Preservation at A. Ottavino Corporation Stoneworks. A. Ottavino Corporation Stoneworks is a long-time family owned and operated company specializing in new construction, building restoration, fine art conservation and stone fabrication. Ms. Ottavino has been on the HDC Board since 1997.
Joseph S. Rosenberg has a Doctorate Degree in Medical Biochemistry from Temple University School of Medicine. Mr. Rosenberg is the former head of the Brooklyn Heights Association’s Landmarks Preservation Committee; co-founder with Actor’s Equity of “Save the Theatres, Inc”; co-founder of “The Showpeople’s Committee to Save Radio City Music Hall; and the co-founder of the Historic Districts Council. Mr. Rosenberg is the Founder of V.I.P. Tours where he custom-designs behind-the-scenes theater,architecture and art tours and experiences in New York, as well as also Chicago, San Francisco, and London. Mr. Rosenberg has been on the HDC Board since 1986.
Thomas F. Schutte has a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration at the University of Colorado. He is the former President of the Rhode Island School of Design and Pratt Institute, he is now President Emeritus of Pratt Institute. Mr. Schutte has been on the HDC Board since 2006.
Zulmilena Then is the founder of Preserving East New York and an Architect working at Michael Ivanhoe McCaw Architects, P.C. East New York was a Six to Celebrate neighborhood in 2016. Mr. Then has been on the HDC Board since 2017.
Pablo Vengoechea holds a Master Degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University. He is a former Vice-Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) and served on the LPC for 15 years. Mr. Vengoechea is a Professor at Hunter College and a founding partner of Vengoechea + Boyland Architects. Mr. Vengoechea has been on the HDC Board since 2017.
Brian Scott Weber is a director specializing in television commercials. In addition, Mr. Weber is a member of Manhattan Community Board Four, which encompasses the neighborhoods of Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea. Mr. Weber was also active in the effort to preserve the former Christ Church on West 36th Street in Manhattan. Mr. Weber has been on the HDC Board since 2016.
Kevin Wolfe has a Master Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University; a Master of Arts Degree from Clark University and a Bachelor Degree in Landscape Architecture from The City College of New York. Mr. Wolfe is an author, on the Preservation Committee of the Municipal Arts Society and co-founder of the Douglaston & Little Neck Historical Society. Mr. Wolfe is the Founder of Kevin Wolfe Architect P.C. Mr. Wolfe has been on the HDC Board since 2000.
Kate Wood has a Bachelor Degree in Archaeology / Anthropology from Washington and Lee University and a Master Degree in Historic Preservation / Urban Planning from Columbia University. Ms. Wood was previously an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University and the former President of LANDMARK WEST! She is an author and Founder and Principal of At Home in the Hudson Valley a real estate company that restores historic homes in the Hudson Valley. Ms. Wood has been on the HDC Board since 2003.