FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Following a six-month national search that garnered the interest of 240 candidates, the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans has selected Danielle Del Sol to lead the historic preservation and economic development organization.
Before her selection, Del Sol was editor of the PRC’s acclaimed and award-winning Preservation in Print magazine, having joined the publication as an intern in 2010 while simultaneously pursuing her master’s degree in preservation studies at Tulane University.
She assumes her new duties now as only the fourth executive director in the non-profit PRC’s 44-year history, succeeding Patricia Gay, who retired last summer after nearly four decades leading the organization.
PRC Board President Graham M. Ralston said that the PRC’s reputation attracted the interest of many strong candidates nationally, but that “Del Sol’s ‘vision and passion’ for both the PRC and New Orleans were ultimately key deciding factors in her selection.”
Gaynell Lawrence, chair of the Board Search Committee, could not be more ecstatic with the outcome. “The Board Search committee worked tirelessly to find the right candidate for this position after receiving over 200 resumes from across the country. We surely wanted a preservationist, and some one who would be able get to work, keep up the momentum and move the organization forward in a positive direction. We saw that in Danielle,” she said. “Danielle has a true vision. When you walk away from her, you really believe that this city is in good care and that it will continue to be the city we all need it to be.”
Del Sol said she recognizes that her new duties begin at an auspicious time. “As we celebrate the city’s 300th anniversary, we have the opportunity to explain the changing roles in which historic preservation will help address vital community needs such as affordable housing, quality of life and disaster resilience – and we will work hard to encourage and sponsor dialogue amongst diverse groups of the city’s residents.
“Preservation offers distinctive approaches to these problems that can help our city leaders find the best, most well-rounded and holistic answers. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to lead PRC at this milestone juncture in the city’s history.”
