Archive: Around Town

Sara Johnson, Historic Ithaca's program manager at its Significant Elements architectural salvage store since 2011, has been named by the Board of Directors as interim executive director. Alphonse Pieper, who served as executive director since 2008, stepped down on September 10. Johnson's tenure will begin immediately and continue until a permanent executive director is found. A search is underway by the Board of Directors to fill the position.

An upstate New York native, Johnson received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and has completed coursework for a Master of Art from Cornell's Graduate Program in Historic Preservation Planning. Johnson interned with Historic Ithaca in 2007-08 and returned in 2010 to serve as Preservation Associate. She currently lives in the Town of Ithaca.

Johnson will continue to head operations at Significant Elements, assisted by staff members, in addition to taking on leadership duties associated with Historic Ithaca's broader responsibilities of finances and fundraising, outreach, and preservation advocacy.

"The organization couldn't be in better hands as the board conducts a search for the right candidate to fill the position permanently," said Julee Johnson, president of Historic Ithaca's Board of Directors.  "We hope to name someone by early 2016. Until then, Sara will lead Historic Ithaca's preparations for our 50th anniversary celebration next year. She's already closely involved in those activities so we expect the transition to go smoothly."

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