About Me

An Insider with a Fresh Perspective

I’m a messenger on a mission: to help people save historic places through the power of words.

My deep communications expertise, combined with a strong working knowledge of historic places and preservation, give me a unique ability to translate the nuances of preservation into clear, compelling messages for specific audiences.

As head of communications for the Los Angeles Conservancy from 2004 to 2018, I created the Conservancy’s communications program, developed a cohesive voice for the organization, led the creation of its first graphic identity, and introduced transformative technology.

In my own practice, I've developed strategy, messaging, and content for clients including the California Preservation Foundation, the University of Southern California (USC) Heritage Conservation Program, and Friends of Residential Treasures Los Angeles (FORT: LA). I ran a public engagement campaign that won $150,000 for L.A.’s Church of the Epiphany and beefed up the preservation angle in the “bible of L.A. architecture,” Gebhard and Winter’s Los Angeles: An Architectural Guide.

I also co-host Save As, a podcast showcasing the work of USC heritage conservation graduate students.

I chair the communications committee of the National Preservation Partners Network and serve on the communications subcommittee of the Preservation Priorities Task Force, a joint initiative of the Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

I also serve on the board of Photo Friends of the Los Angeles Public Library, for whom I created L.A. Landmarks: Lost and Almost Lost, a book and exhibit showcasing the diversity and fragility of our architectural heritage. Based on the book, I created Lost and Found, a free self-guided tour (“trail”) for Friends of Residential Treasures: Los Angeles (FORT: LA).

A Georgia native, I worked in communications in Boston before moving to Los Angeles in 2000, largely for its architecture. I love Los Angeles and think historic places are magical.