Our Team

Leah earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Interior Design from the University of Alabama. She began her career with the PRC as a member of the Board of Directors from 1997 until 2004, when she joined the staff as the Easement Program Director, and then in 2015, became Chief Administrative Officer.

Whiton’s engagement with the PRC spans more than three decades and has taken many forms: volunteering for Christmas in October in his teens, advertising in Preservation In Print while managing a local art gallery in his twenties, and catering President’s Circle receptions during his stint as a culinary professional in his thirties. After graduating from Emory University, Whiton joined the staff of a well-respected nonprofit in Atlanta that focused on buildings and construction, where he discovered his love of working with nonprofits. After a wide-ranging and curvy career path, the PRC once again beckoned, and Whiton answered the call, officially joining the Development Department in 2018.

Annie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, with a minor in Economics, and a Master of Science degree in Accounting, with a concentration in Taxation from Louisiana State University. Annie is a Certified Public Accountant and a fully licensed Realtor in Louisiana. Born and raised in New Orleans, she has a deep appreciation for the historic landscape and culture that her hometown has to offer. As the Accountant for the PRC, Annie is thrilled that she can channel both of her professional careers of accounting and real estate into an organization that she is passionate about, the Preservation Resource Center.

Born and raised in the Carrollton neighborhood, Averil earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University. A longtime PRC staffer, she supports the PRC’s administrative processes while also serving as the homeowner contact for the PRC’s History & Landmarks Plaque Program. Averil also greets and educates the many visitors to PRC’s headquarters, sharing information about the city’s historic districts and neighborhoods. Her ties to the PRC’s historic headquarters building precede the organization’s. Her great-grandfather also worked in the same building in the 19th century for the Leeds Foundry.

MaryNell has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Columbia University and a Master of Preservation Studies degree from Tulane University. With more than a decade of experience working as an architectural historian and historic preservationist in the private and public sectors, she has expertise in compliance with federal, state, and local cultural resources laws and regulations, architectural survey and evaluations, and historic research and documentation. Prior to joining the team at the PRC, she was a Senior Researcher with the Landmarks Preservation Commission in New York City.   

Daneel holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design and a minor in Art History from the University of Tampa. After college while working for Post Properties in Atlanta, she earned her Web Design certification from Emory University. She served as a project manager for interactive agencies launching and maintaining large-scale web projects, such as the Arnold and Winnie Palmer Foundation, Maria Sharapova and Professional Bull Riders. She also holds an Associate of Art degree in Interior Design from Delgado and completed a full gut restoration of a Neoclassical Revival Double Shotgun home, which was featured on the Preservation Resource Center’s 2019 Shotgun House Tour.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in History from Radford University and a Master of Preservation Studies from Tulane University. Her array of professional experience includes cultural resource management, technical building conservation, and archival research. In her role at the PRC, Michelle develops and implements educational classes, events, and resources that focus on maintaining or restoring a historic building, working through permit processes, and understanding the unique, local built environment.

Michelle also administers the PRC’s Grant Programs which include Revival Grants, Historic Home Repair Grants, Homes and Heritage Grants, and other assistance programs.

Kearney Gay is a multi-generation New Orleanian who comes from a family rich in historic preservation. Kearney assumes the role of Director of Development, bringing his extensive expertise in fundraising to the PRC. Before joining the PRC, Kearney served as the Director of Development and Partnerships at the Team Gleason Foundation and Tulane University Athletics. He has a master’s degree from Belmont University. Kearney’s track record of fostering relationships and driving successful campaigns aligns seamlessly with PRC’s commitment to preserving historic architecture and communities.

Ali James grew up in Natchez, Miss., where a reverence for historic preservation and a love of entertaining are practically town requirements. Combine that with 20 years of fundraising experience, and she’s found the perfect home as PRC’s Events and Memberships Manager. Ali lives in Faubourg St. John with her poorly behaved French Bulldog, Clarke, and enjoys riding horses (and the subsequent trips to the emergency room) in her free time.

Courtney has always held a special place in her heart for New Orleans- a city whose history, architecture, and spirit inspire her daily. Her involvement with the Preservation Resource Center began over a decade ago as a dedicated volunteer and grew over the years through her leadership and enthusiasm, most recently co-chairing the PRC’s beloved Holiday Home Tour three times in a row. Her commitment and hands-on experience eventually led her to join the PRC staff, where she continues to champion the preservation of New Orleans’ rich cultural and architectural heritage. She graduated from LSU in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology and currently resides in New Orleans with her husband and four children. 

Leah earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Interior Design from the University of Alabama. She began her career with the PRC as a member of the Board of Directors from 1997 until 2004, when she joined the staff as the Easement Program Director, and then in 2015, became Chief Administrative Officer.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in History from Radford University and a Master of Preservation Studies from Tulane University. Her array of professional experience includes cultural resource management, technical building conservation, and archival research. In her role at the PRC, Michelle develops and implements educational classes, events, and resources that focus on maintaining or restoring a historic building, working through permit processes, and understanding the unique, local built environment.

Michelle also administers the PRC’s Grant Programs which include Revival Grants, Historic Home Repair Grants, Homes and Heritage Grants, and other assistance programs.

Sara Lowenburg has a background in nonprofit and cultural work, volunteer management, grant writing, and more. She worked in museums for over a decade before joining the PRC, including as Director of Education at both the Louisiana State Museum and New Orleans Museum of Art. Sara earned a Bachelor of Arts from Grinnell College in History and a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from New York University.

Russell Blanchard is a ninth-generation Cajun descendant who has a deep passion for sharing our history and culture. He brings his love of storytelling and extensive experience as a licensed New Orleans tour guide along with his work developing and coordinating international travel to the PRC’s Tour Program. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in Cinematic Production and has worked on major film projects around the globe over the last 20 years. Russell resides in Algiers Point, where he and his wife renovated a historic home and now share it with their daughter Sally.

Whiton’s engagement with the PRC spans more than three decades and has taken many forms: volunteering for Christmas in October in his teens, advertising in Preservation In Print while managing a local art gallery in his twenties, and catering President’s Circle receptions during his stint as a culinary professional in his thirties. After graduating from Emory University, Whiton joined the staff of a well-respected nonprofit in Atlanta that focused on buildings and construction, where he discovered his love of working with nonprofits. After a wide-ranging and curvy career path, the PRC once again beckoned, and Whiton answered the call, officially joining the Development Department in 2018.

Daneel holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design and a minor in Art History from the University of Tampa. After college while working for Post Properties in Atlanta, she earned her Web Design certification from Emory University. She served as a project manager for interactive agencies launching and maintaining large-scale web projects, such as the Arnold and Winnie Palmer Foundation, Maria Sharapova and Professional Bull Riders. She also holds an Associate of Art degree in Interior Design from Delgado and completed a full gut restoration of a Neoclassical Revival Double Shotgun home, which was featured on the Preservation Resource Center’s 2019 Shotgun House Tour.